6 Signs and Symptoms of Exhaust Problems in Your Car

July 13, 2017 · 3 min read

1. Overly Noisy Engine

One of the first signs of exhaust problems that you should to pay attention to is if you have an excessively noisy engine. If you have a faulty exhaust manifold gasket, it will cause an exhaust leak that sounds like a hissing or tapping sound. The sound is especially loud during a cold start or when you accelerate the vehicle.

2. Decreased Power and Acceleration

If you have a problem with your exhaust, it will begin to affect the performance of your engine. You won't be able to accelerate as well or as quickly, and you won't get the same power when you do accelerate. This problem will continue to worsen if you do not address the exhaust leak.

3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

When your power and acceleration decrease, often the fuel efficiency of your vehicle also decreases. To get your car to function in the same way that it does without an exhaust problem, it has to work even harder, therefore using more fuel. You may think that the cost of replacing or fixing your exhaust is high, but you'll begin spending a lot more on gas if you don't get it fixed.

4. Burning Smell From the Engine Bay

If your gasket fails and begins to leak near any engine wiring or any parts under the hood that are made of plastic, the heat from the exhaust gases could cause these parts to burn. Those burning parts then release a burning smell that can smell like a burning engine. It can also release a bit of smoke, but you shouldn't wait to see smoke before getting it checked out. If you begin to smell any burning or see any smoke you should have your vehicle checked immediately to avoid any risk of danger to yourself or your passengers.

5. Hanging Exhaust Pipe

If your exhaust pipe is hanging or dragging on the ground, you should have it fixed immediately. If any part of the pipe breaks, even a part that does not cause a leak, it can begin to hang under the vehicle. The dragging is not only a danger to you, but if it falls off of the vehicle it becomes a danger to the drivers around you.

6. Gas Smell

If you start to smell gas inside your car when you're driving, this may be a sign of exhaust problems. It is usually caused when one of the exhaust pipes or tubes gets damaged and starts to leak. When that happens, the fumes from the gasoline escape through any place they can. Sometimes, that place is in the cabin of your car. These are just a few ways to tell if your car is having exhaust problems. If you are at all concerned or you notice any of these symptoms in your vehicle, you should bring it to the dealer for a checkup or replacement. Image via Pixabay.com

Posted in:

Jan 16, 2026 in Car Maintenance Tips

What to Expect from Your First Acura Maintenance Appointment

Owning an Acura is rather like owning a well-tailored jacket. It looks good, it feels right, and it only stays that way if you look after it properly. Regular Acura maintenance is what keeps everything fitting as it should, and your first service appointment sets the tone for many miles to come. For drivers in El Paso, TX, that first visit is less about drama and more about reassurance. more Why Regular Acura Maintenance Is Worth Your Time Maintenance is not about fixing problems after they happen; it is about stopping them from happening at all. Routine Acura service keeps the engine running cleanly, the brakes responding crisply, and the suspension behaving itself over imperfect roads. Skip it, and small issues quietly grow into large, expensive ones. During an initial service visit, technicians typically handle the fundamentals: an oil change, fluid checks, tire inspection, and a general health assessment of the vehicle. It is practical, methodical work, and it forms the backbone of long-term reliability in El Paso’s demanding driving conditions. What Actually Happens During Your First Service Visit Your first Acura maintenance appointment is straightforward and well organized. When you arrive, a service advisor reviews your vehicle’s details and listens to any concerns you might have noticed, odd noises, warning messages, or changes in how the vehicle feels. From there, factory-trained technicians carry out a multi-point inspection, checking critical systems such as brakes, tires, battery condition, and fluid levels. Routine services like oil changes and tire rotations are completed as needed, and if anything requires attention, it is explained clearly before any work moves forward. The emphasis is on transparency, not surprises. Why Acura Service in El Paso Makes a Difference Choosing Acura service in El Paso means your vehicle is handled by technicians who know the brand inside and out. At Fox Acura, genuine Acura parts and advanced diagnostic equipment are used to keep everything operating exactly as intended. The experience is designed to be comfortable as well as efficient, with convenient scheduling options and a service environment that respects your time. It is maintenance without unnecessary complication, which is precisely how it should be. A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way Arriving prepared makes the appointment smoother. Having your registration and any prior service records available helps, as does a quick review of your owner’s manual so you know what services may be due. Making a short mental note of anything unusual you have noticed ensures nothing important is overlooked during the visit. Take the First Step with Confidence Your first Acura maintenance appointment is the beginning of a long and healthy relationship between you and your vehicle. With attentive service, clear communication, and expert care, it becomes something you can trust rather than worry about. To get started, visit Fox Acura in El Paso, TX and schedule your service. It is a small investment of time that pays back in smooth, dependable driving for years to come.

Aug 22, 2025 in Car Maintenance Tips

7 Reasons to Service Your Acura at Your Acura Dealership

Your Acura is one of the most reliable cars on the road. Let's keep it that way with a sensible maintenance schedule. You receive the highest quality work with Acura-trained professionals. Here are some key service benefits you'll get at your local Acura dealership. Acura Specialists All high-end products should be serviced by the producer. After all, if your MacBook crashed, do you think you'd receive better service at an official Apple Store or a random computer repair shop? When you visit an official Acura dealer, your car is placed in the hands of technicians narrowly specialized in Acura models. They're factory-trained and uphold the same meticulous quality standards as the engineers who built your luxury car. more Fewer Malfunctions This level of service and skill ensures that your Acura rarely, if ever, suffers a fault. Routine inspections, services, and fluid changes minimize wear in all components. Any wear and tear that might one day lead to a malfunction is detected earlier and promptly dealt with. Safer Driving Acuras are as safe as they are reliable, which was likely a decisive factor when choosing your car. You'll maintain your Acura's superb safety standards with regular service. In particular, the tires, brakes, suspension, and headlights must be looked after for optimal road safety. Smoother Performance Acuras deliver impressive performance specs and smooth, comfortable driving. All you need to sustain your responsive acceleration, precise steering, stable suspension, quiet cabin, and sophisticated support tech is to attend a regular servicing schedule. Longer Vehicle Life The minimized wear and faults that routine maintenance provides mean a longer-lived vehicle. Acuras, both new and used, make terrific investments because of the excellent longevity they enjoy when routinely serviced. Better Gas Mileage Along with granting cost-savings from fewer faults, regular service also saves you money on gas. Your MPG rating will stay sky-high with the tires, transmission, and engine running at their very best. Preserved Resale Value Here's yet another financial benefit from regular Acura maintenance; by upholding a top-notch service routine, you'll build an excellent maintenance record. This means a more attractive vehicle history report and a much higher resale value in the future. Enjoy These Service Benefits Today at Our Maintenance and Repair Center Is your Acura up-to-date on essential vehicle services? It's best not to delay or miss anything important. Allow our friendly technicians to set up a service schedule that you'll find easy to follow. We want to keep your car in top shape with minimal hassle and cost. Visit Fox Acura of El Paso in El Paso, TX, today. We aim to exceed the expectations of our customers with outstanding service and customer care.

Apr 04, 2025 in Car Maintenance Tips

6 Signs Your Acura's Battery Needs Replacement

Your Acura is filled with sophisticated technology that ensures a smooth, safe, pleasurable ride in all road conditions. If an aging battery starts to struggle, limiting the supply of electrical voltage, you'll notice a gradual decline in performance. You can have swift battery replacement at your local Acura dealership. Just look out for the key warning signs of a bad battery laid out below. 6 Signs Your Acura's Battery Needs Replacement Warning Lights on the Dashboard Most car batteries last from three to five years. When your battery begins to fade, the battery warning light will appear on your instrument panel, indicating it's time for a replacement. As the battery's power is so vital for the engine, you might also see the check engine light appear. more Fading Headlights and Taillights While driving after dark, the headlights are essential for visibility. If you find yourself squinting to see the road ahead, your headlights might be fading because of a weakening battery. A bad battery will eventually cause all external lights to dim and fail, including the taillights and turn signal lights. Always try to replace your battery before this occurs. Slow Engine Starts in the Morning After sitting unused overnight, a car's engine requires a strong supply of electricity to crank and get going. A healthy battery has no trouble delivering this voltage, but a dying or aging battery might struggle, forcing you to try a few times before the engine starts. If this happens, change your battery before the engine refuses to start at all. Faltering Cabin Electronics Various electronic accessories inside your car will misbehave without a strong battery, especially when the engine is turned off. The heated seats, phone charger, dashboard lights, stereo, and power windows will all respond increasingly slowly. Cracks or Warping in the Battery Casing When you pop the hood to inspect your battery, if the casing appears to be malformed in any way, it's no longer safe to use. And if you see any cracks in the casing, have the battery replaced at once before it leaks. Sulfury Smell of Leaking Battery Acid If your battery has become so damaged by heat, vibrations, or age that it cracks, you might smell leaking battery acid. This smells like rotten eggs and is very unhealthy to breathe. Don't hesitate to get rid of a leaking battery. Prompt Battery Replacement at Your Acura Dealership If you suspect that your battery is having problems, we can test it for you. Installing a new car battery takes very little time and can have your Acura performing like new once more. Visit Fox Acura of El Paso in El Paso, TX, today to have your battery tested or replaced. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with exceedingly happy and satisfied customers.