For many car owners the first they know that their vehicle exhaust pipe needs attention is the noise it makes and many do not realise that a damaged exhaust pipe leads to reduced engine performance and fuel efficiency so it is important if you suspect that there is a problem with your vehicle exhaust system that you have it checked by a mechanic. Should there be an issue then whether to replace the whole exhaust, part of it (as it comes in sections) or repair it will depend on how badly it is damaged. Replacing an exhaust system is costly but if most of the pipe is corroded it is probably the best option. Most garages will be able to quote for this but there are specialist exhaust centres that...

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As part of the MOT test most cars are subject to an emissions test. The only cars that are exempt from this rule are vehicles with less than 4 wheels, two-stroke vehicles, hybrid vehicles and quadricycles. Most vehicles are tested using a special meter but old vehicles (classic cars) may be tested by sight. The vehicles are usually linked up to a tube which is placed over the exhaust. The readings are then taken and checked against the MOT standards to say whether it is a pass or fail. Tests can also be performed on the roadside if needed and if the vehicle fails, you will often get an order to fix the issues within 10 days of face prosecution. You may face a fixed penalty notice on the side...

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You may not become aware of an issue with your exhaust system until you hear a loud sound when driving or even when you take the car in to a garage for an MOT (and there is a problem with the emissions) or service. The exhaust system is made up of a number of different components and sometimes the problem is obvious, other times it may need investigating. The costs involved with exhaust repair can be just as confusing as a hole in one part of the system can be drastically more expensive than a similarly sized one in a different part of the system. White smoke coming from the tailpipe is usually a cause for concern. It often indicates that your car could be low on engine coolant from...

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If you suddenly find that your car sounds particularly loud when you accelerate and the noise is coming from the exhaust then you most probably have a hole. This can not only be embarrassing and could actually get you in to trouble with the police if it is too loud, it can mean that your car fails an MOT and is therefore not roadworthy. So what options do you have? Depending on where about the hole is in the exhaust and how big it is, you could try repairing it. Some garages offer this as a service where they will weld a patch on or you can actually buy exhaust bandage that you can apply yourself to cover up he hole. Both of these methods are somewhat temporary although the...

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