Reasons Why Your MINI Suffers from Exhaust Leak
Your MINI car is made up of several essential parts that help it work adequately. The exhaust system is an essential car part that ensures that harmful gasses are removed from the engine and directed away from the car’s interior. This system is commonly overlooked, making it susceptible to various forms of damage, such as an exhaust leak.
An exhaust leak usually occurs due to a fault in a car’s exhaust system; it can pose a safety risk to passengers of a car and can also affect the car’s efficiency. This guide explains the common causes of an exhaust leak in a MINI and how to handle a faulty exhaust system.
Signs of a MINI Car’s Exhaust Leak
Any car can develop a fault at any point. However, recognizing the signs of a fault can make it easier to find a lasting solution. Hence, here are some common signs of an exhaust leak in a MINI car.
Noise from Engine
A noisy engine is a very common indicator of an exhaust leak. If your MINI’s engine has a leak, then you may occasionally hear hissing or tapping sounds coming from the engine, due to gas escape. These sounds usually come after starting the car and can stop until the next time you turn on your car.
Power/Acceleration Loss
If you notice that your MINI has been accelerating poorly, then it could be a sign of a leaking engine exhaust. Once gas waste leaks into the system and is not released out of the car, the engine may begin to experience issues that can affect the performance. As a result of these issues, your car may not power or accelerate as much as it used to, until you fix the problem.
Unusual Odors
Another indicator that your MINI’s exhaust system has a leak is weird odors from the engine. You might smell burning plastic, metal or wiring, caused by burns from hot gas. Other odors like fuel or gas smell from the engine are also common indications of a gas leak from the exhaust.
Common Causes of an Exhaust Leak in a MINI Car
1. Corrosion
One of the common causes of an exhaust leak in a vehicle is corrosion. Many vehicle parts, like the exhaust system, can get corroded on exposure to moisture, salt, and air. If your MINI car is always in an environment where it is continuously exposed to these factors, corrosion can occur, damaging the system and causing the exhaust to leak.
2. Thermal stress
The engine produces a lot of heat while running. This constant rise in temperature can affect the exhaust system as there is continuous expansion when temperature rises and contraction when it goes down. This then leads to cracks in system parts which eventually causes the exhaust to leak.
3. Worn-out Gasket and Loose Bolts
If your MINI’s engine gasket is bad, it no longer serves as a seal and cannot effectively keep gas from leaking out. Also, loose bolts and screws in the engine can result in an exhaust leak. Worn-out gaskets and loose bolts can be a result of your car aging with use.
4. Physical damage
Physical damage, due to poor handling or maintenance can also cause damage to the exhaust system and cause an exhaust leak. The exhaust system is an external car part, so any physical impact such as a bump on the road can dent or damage the external system and cause a leak. Hence, you should ensure you move your car carefully, especially on bad roads.
Professional Services to Fix Your MINI’s Exhaust Leak
The best solution to an exhaust system 
problem in your car is to contact an experienced mechanic to handle the issue. If you notice any of the signs above, showing that your MINI has an exhaust system leak, then you need to get professional help.
Contacting a professional technician will help to determine the exact cause of the problem and get on the best line of action. In some cases, your car may require replacement parts and you can only trust an experienced mechanic to get the right car parts that will not cause further problems.
Oldwick Village Garage is one of the best shops for professional repair services in New Jersey. We attend to car owners in and around Tewksbury. If your MINI has problems, trust us to find effective solutions with our years of experience and service quality.
* Gray Convertible Mini Cooper Car image credit goes to: Luca Piccini Basile.