Sounds exhausting: only a third of drivers can identity the sound of a failing car exhaust

• Just a third (34 per cent) of drivers can correctly identify the sound of a failing car exhaust compared to one that works normally
• 284 million miles have been travelled by the 29 per cent of drivers that admit to driving with a broken exhaust
• Under half (48 per cent) of all motorists know driving short distances can negatively impact the lifespan of a car exhaust

Drivers are being urged to familiarise themselves with the sound of a failing exhaust, after new research¹ from Green Flag one of the UK’s leading breakdown providers, found that just a third (34 per cent) of motorists can identify a failing system. Drivers were played two audio clips, one of a car functioning normally and another where the car had a hole in the exhaust’s silencer, the majority were unable to identify any problem.

If drivers do suspect a problem with their car exhaust, it is important to have a professional check the vehicle as soon as possible. Over a quarter (29 per cent) of drivers admit to driving with a broken exhaust, despite the potentially hazardous impact on the vehicle and those in it. Motorists with a broken exhaust persist on driving on average travel 24 miles before having it repaired, cumulatively covering 284 million miles² in faulty vehicles. If motorists do drive with a broken exhaust, they could be issued with a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice’ by the police³, where they have 14 days to provide proof the issue has been repaired.

One in five (19 per cent) drivers have needed mechanical repairs for their exhaust in just the last two years. Its positioning on the underside of the vehicle leaves it exposed to high temperatures, water and grime, the occasional bash from a speed bump and general wear and tear from continuous movement.

Cars that are only used for short trips can also suffer from exhausts rusting from the inside out, something 48 per cent of drivers are unaware can be an issue. This is because moisture formed during the combustion process doesn’t have a chance to dry out⁴.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “The exhaust system is one of the most exposed parts of a vehicle leaving it vulnerable to weather and road conditions, as well as everyday wear and tear, so it is unsurprising that many drivers experience problems. One of the easiest ways for drivers to identify if there is an issue is to listen out for an atypical noise, such as a rumble, rattle, hiss or chug.

“If drivers do suspect there might be something wrong with their exhaust, it is important to get it checked as soon as possible to avoid exposing themselves to any harmful gases and a larger bill later down the line as the system further deteriorates.”

Common sounds drivers should listen out for with an exhaust are:

·        Especially loud exhaust – this indicates a hole in either a pipe or a silencer box.

·        Rattling – this indicates an exhausted may have come loose from its fixings.

·        Hissing – this can be caused by a leaking gasket, or alternatively a crack in the exhaust manifold or pipe.

·        Chugging – this can mean a blockage in the exhaust system.

Table 1: The percentage of drivers that are unable to identify the sound of a failing exhaust by location 

Table 2: The percentage of drivers that have driven with a broken exhaust by location

Green Flag is one of the leading breakdown providers, offering drivers 24/7 assistance from 3,000 expert technicians all over the UK. For more information visit greenflag.com or download the Green Flag app.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group 

Alice Osborn

PR Manager

Email: alice.osborn@directlinegroup.co.uk

Notes to editors:

1.      Survey conducted for Green Flag by Opinium of 2,000 UK car owners – 21st - 24th August 2023

2.      40,935,384 full licences held in the UK (Source: ONS) * 29 per cent (drivers who have driven with a broken exhaust) * 24 miles (average distance driven with a broken exhaust)

3.      Being stopped by the police while driving: Faults with your vehicle - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

4.      www.blog.greenflag.com/2018/choosing-a-replacement-exhaust-what-to-look-for-and-why-to-shop-around/#more-7112

About Green Flag 

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). 

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com