Q: my exhaust got loud i thought there was a whole then one day i pulled in my driveway and it got extremely loud, i looked under and half way threw the exhaust it came apart , its hanging on the ground,it looks like it can be put back together, what is this?
A: Your exhaust pipe might have rusted through, or been broken by a car wash chain, or by hitting a speed bump. It is possible it can be repaired by cutting out the broken section, and welding in a new piece of pipe. But if it rusted through due to age and high mileage, you may need adjacent parts of the exhaust system, too, like a catalytic converter, muffler, hangar brackets and hardware. Depending on where you live, exhaust system repairs may not be optional, as many jurisdictions require them for emissions control and noise abatement. Exhaust system leaks can also allow carbon monoxide and other exhaust gases into the passenger compartment, reducing your alertness.