How dangerous is a clogged exhaust pipe to car operation?

Car exhaust pipes play an important role in helping to reduce toxic emissions into the environment. However, if the car exhaust pipe is clogged, the exhaust gas will be trapped and cannot escape. At that time, the engine must spend a lot of energy to push it out. At the same time, the clogged exhaust pipe also increases exhaust pressure, reduces the amount of intake air, causing loss of engine power.

The exhaust system includes: exhaust manifold, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, muffler and exhaust pipe.

A clogged car exhaust can damage the engine system.

There are many reasons why the exhaust pipe is clogged. The main reason is due to two parts: the exhaust pipe assembly and the catalytic converter of the car's exhaust system.

The catalytic converter is the part that helps reduce the amount of exhaust gas that the engine emits, causing less harm to the environment. However, with catalytic converters that have been used for a long time, it is the cause of the exhaust pipe being clogged because the exhaust gas is stuck in the pipe. When the exhaust gas cannot escape, there will be a pressure flow generated on the exhaust gas line that will bounce back into the combustion chamber, leading to loss of engine power and causing many other negative effects.

When the catalyst overheats and melts inside, it also reduces the ability of exhaust gases to flow through the catalyst. Remove the end of the exhaust pipe (with the catalyst) to check if the catalyst is clogged. If the engine is running well, the catalyst is the cause of the clogged exhaust.

Distorted exhaust pipe assembly leading to blocked exhaust.

In addition, when the car exhaust pipe is dented due to impact, it is also the reason why the exhaust system cannot work properly. For this reason, the car user can check with the naked eye to find a timely solution. Another cause of blockage is due to dirt falling in. However, this case is less likely to occur because there is always gas pushed out in the exhaust pipe.

To check the operating condition of the exhaust system, the simplest way is to use a vacuum gauge connected to the vacuum hole on the intake manifold or on the throttle body. If the vacuum is low and continues to decrease while the engine is running, it is determined that the exhaust pipe is clogged.

In addition, when the engine backfires or the exhaust valve is loose, the engine will not accelerate, even though it is still operating at low load and low speed.

Car owners should consult experienced people when their car encounters the above problems to have timely handling and not affect other parts of the car.