How to Deal with a Clogged Car Exhaust Pipe?

[StAubrey]

You can use a rubber hammer to tap the outside of the exhaust pipe to dislodge the carbon deposits inside, then slowly pour them out from the other end of the pipe. Below is relevant information about the consequences of a clogged exhaust pipe: 1. Loss of Acceleration: If during a long drive, the engine idle becomes unstable, acceleration feels weak, or the car seems sluggish, it might be due to a clogged exhaust pipe causing poor exhaust flow, which reduces air intake and decreases engine power. 2. Frequent Forced Downshifting in Automatic Transmission: When a clogged exhaust pipe reduces engine power, the driver may press the accelerator harder to speed up, causing the throttle to open wide. At this point, the car will control the automatic transmission to force a downshift based on the throttle's condition. 3. Slight Backfire When Accelerating Suddenly: A clogged exhaust pipe can cause some exhaust gases to remain in the cylinders, making the air-fuel mixture leaner and slowing the combustion speed. When the intake valve opens, the mixture may still be burning, causing it to backfire through the open intake valve into the intake manifold, resulting in a backfire phenomenon.