MD State Safety Inspection: Exhaust System Repair
Maryland requires the majority of used vehicles to obtain a safety inspection certificate before their sale or transfer. In general, it is the seller’s responsibility to get the MD State Safety Inspection Certificate. To get this certification, a licensed vehicle safety inspection station in Maryland must inspect your vehicle. The process will include an in-depth visual and mechanical inspection of your automobile (check here for a complete list). The exhaust system, including the muffler, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensor, often requires minor repairs or service to pass the safety inspection. A certificate will only be issued once the vehicle passes the inspection.
Why Do Vehicles Fail the MD State Safety Inspection?
There can be many reasons why a vehicle may fail a state safety inspection. A qualified mechanic can walk you through the inspection report, point out the areas of concern, and guide you to any necessary repairs. As a vehicle owner, you have the option to fix the issues yourself, have the inspection station do the repairs, or bring your automobile to a different service station for repair work. Let’s review a few components that are often responsible for a failed safety inspection.
Exhaust System Components
Combustion engine vehicles have a complex array of components that are considered part of the Exhaust System. Below are a few common parts that you may find in your car. Check out your owner’s manual for a comprehensive list of components for your specific vehicle.
Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is attached directly to the engine. It collects all the gases created through combustion and funnels them into a single pipe.
Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter reduces dangerous exhaust gases (nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) through reduction and oxidation from the exhaust manifold.
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensors measure the exhaust/gas/oxygen of internal combustion engines in vehicles. They may also adjust the air-fuel ratio to help catalytic converters perform optimally.
Muffler & Exhaust Pipe
The final exhaust system components are the muffler, which reduces the noise. The exhaust pipe releases the exhaust into the air.
Common Issues & Symptoms
While individual vehicles and situations can differ, there are a few common issues you should check out first. I will review them with their most common symptoms, so you will know what to look for, listen to, and smell for.
Cracked Exhaust Manifold
A cracked exhaust manifold can sound like a loud, ticking clock near the engine. Besides making Captain Hook uneasy, the ticking sound is a clue to inspect your exhaust manifold.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
When your catalytic converter is clogged, you may experience a substantial loss of power. You may also notice a slight rattling sound or black smoke coming from your tailpipe. There may also be an unpleasant smell, similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.
Rusted Muffler (or Exhaust Pipe)
In most vehicles, you can find the muffler and exhaust pipe under the car, towards the back end. Road debris, de-icing chemicals, and other road hazards can cause minor damages that may turn into rusty holes over time. If you need to turn up the radio to hear it over the noise of your exhaust, inspect your muffler and exhaust pipe for wear and tear.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
When your car displays the dreaded Check Engine Light, get it checked out asap. A faulty oxygen sensor may be to blame.
Prep Your Vehicle to Pass the MD State Safety Inspection
Busy lifestyles rarely leave time for auto maintenance, but remember, regular oil changes and factory-recommended service keeps your vehicle running at its best. Performing routine maintenance and completing necessary repairs are essential steps to preparing your automobile to pass the Maryland Safety Inspection.
Schedule Your MD State Safety Inspection
Eby’s Garage is ready to help you with all your vehicle’s exhaust system maintenance and repairs. Call us at (301) 432-5130 or visit us online to schedule your service today!
Previous MD Safety Inspection Series Blogs
When To Get A Vehicle State Inspection, Boonsboro MD