What happens to the exhaust after it leaves the engine is not much of a consequence other than environmental. If is is not too noisy, just drive it another week, as long as the pipe does not hit the ground. A good muffler shop can weld it all back together, and if the pipe is not flattened, it should cost you not too much.
Another consequence might be this poorly rigged exhaust pipe exiting the vehicle on the expressway. This type of muffler is designed to reduce back pressure, which occurs when exhaust travels back up the pipes toward the engine, and consequently makes more noise. The tailpipe comes out of the muffler, past the rear bumper of the vehicle, and directs exhaust gases away from the vehicle.
Some vehicles may have more than one tailpipe. The tailpipe often ends with just a straight or angled cut, but may include a fancy tip. The tailpipe is often larger in diameter than the rest of the exhaust system. This produces a final reduction in exhaust pressure, and is sometimes used to enhance the appearance of the vehicle. The worst enemy of an exhaust system is corrosion, more commonly known as rust. Moisture or water vapor is present in the exhaust as a by-product of combustion and the catalytic converter.
Corrosion may also result from outside elements such as rain, snow, and salt. If you live in an area where road salt is used during the winter, make sure to wash the underside of your vehicle with water every few weeks. Salt speeds up the corrosion process and getting it off as soon as possible will help stop the corrosion. Other symptoms of exhaust system problems may include decreased power, decreased fuel economy, hissing noises, metallic rattling noises, an overly loud engine, exhaust fumes, the presence of a check engine light, and physical damage due to the system hanging low beneath the vehicle.
Many factors, such as climate and driving conditions, can affect the life of your exhaust system. The cleaner the engine runs, the cleaner the exhaust traveling through your exhaust system will be, which will help prevent catalytic converter and O2 sensor failures.
It is important to have your exhaust system inspected by an ASE certified technician at least annually, or whenever you experience symptoms possibly related to the exhaust system. Each component should be inspected for damage, rust, leaks, broken bolts, cracks, noises, secure mounting, and to make sure all critical components are present. If you are buying a used vehicle, make sure the entire exhaust system has been thoroughly inspected before you make your purchasing decision.
The catalytic converter cleans the vehicle's exhaust gases before they are expelled from the exhaust pipe. When a catalytic converter starts to fail, your vehicle may not only run poorly, but it may not pass an emissions test due to excessive pollutants coming from the exhaust.
Before replacing your expensive catalytic converter, make sure it is the culprit by replacing it temporarily with a straight pipe, sometimes called a test pipe. If your car runs properly with the test pipe in place, your catalytic converter will need to be replaced soon. Park the vehicle on a level surface and raise it with a hydraulic jack. Place jack stands under each corner of the vehicle's frame.
Lower the hydraulic jack until the vehicle is fully supported by the jack stands. Allow the exhaust system to cool if the vehicle has been driven recently, as the catalytic converter can be extremely hot. Crawl under the vehicle and spray penetrating fluid onto the catalytic converter mounting bolts.
Allow the fluid to work in for at least fifteen minutes.
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