How to Inspect Your Car’s Exhaust System for Leaks Before Traveling

Exhaust leaks can be more than just noisy—they can affect engine performance, fuel efficiency, and even your safety. Modern automotive inspection cameras, often called automotive borescopes or endoscopes, make it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas of your exhaust system without removing major components. Whether you’re a DIY car owner or a professional technician, using an inspection camera can save time, money, and help catch problems early. Below, we’ll walk through how to inspect your car’s exhaust for leaks and answer common questions along the way.

1. What Are Signs of a Car Exhaust Leak?

Before reaching for an inspection camera, it’s helpful to know the symptoms of a potential exhaust leak. Common signs include:

• Louder-than-normal exhaust noise, especially a ticking or hissing sound
  

• Reduced fuel efficiency due to incorrect oxygen sensor readings
  

• Loss of engine power or sluggish acceleration
  

• Exhaust fumes inside the cabin, which can be dangerous
  

• Check engine light, often triggered by emissions-related sensors
  
  

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, a closer visual inspection of the exhaust system is a smart next step.

2. Can an Inspection Camera Detect Small Cracks in the Exhaust System?

Yes, a quality automotive inspection camera can detect small cracks, pinholes, and corrosion that may be difficult to see with the naked eye. High-resolution cameras with adjustable LED lighting allow you to zoom in on welds, joints, and bends in the exhaust. These small defects are often the starting point of larger failures, so spotting them early can help prevent costly repairs later.

3. How Do You Use an Automotive Inspection Camera to Inspect the Exhaust?

Using an automotive inspection camera is straightforward:

1. Ensure the vehicle is safely parked on a level surface and turned off.
   

2. Locate access points, such as gaps near the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or muffler.
   

3. Insert the camera probe slowly, guiding it along the exhaust path.
   

4. Adjust the lighting and focus to clearly view the exhaust pipes, joints, and surrounding components.
   

5. Record images or video if your device allows, so you can review findings later or show them to a mechanic.
   
   

This method allows you to inspect internal and external surfaces without disassembling the exhaust system.

4. Is a Car Inspection Camera Safe to Use on a Hot Engine or Exhaust?

In general, it’s best to let the engine and exhaust system cool before conducting inspections. While some inspection cameras are heat-resistant, extremely hot components can damage the camera or pose a burn risk. Waiting 30–60 minutes after driving ensures safer handling and clearer images without heat distortion.

5. Where Do Exhaust Leaks Commonly Occur in a Vehicle?

Exhaust leaks tend to develop in specific areas, including:

• Exhaust manifold and manifold gasket
  

• Pipe joints and flanges
  

• Flex pipes, which are prone to wear and cracking
  

• Welded seams along the exhaust piping
  

• Muffler and resonator, especially in rust-prone climates
  
  

An inspection camera helps you examine these common trouble spots without removing shields or components.

6. Can an Auto Inspection Camera Help Prevent Breakdowns Before a Road Trip?

Absolutely. Performing a pre-trip inspection with an auto inspection camera can reveal exhaust issues before they turn into roadside problems. Catching leaks early helps maintain engine efficiency, prevents sensor damage, and reduces the risk of exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This proactive approach offers peace of mind, especially before long drives or vacations.

7. What’s the Difference Between a Car Borescope and an Engine Inspection Camera?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences:

• Car borescope: Typically designed for narrow spaces and long reach, ideal for inspecting exhaust pipes, cylinders, and internal components.
  

• Engine inspection camera: Often optimized for under-hood inspections and may have a wider viewing angle for general diagnostics.
  
  

Both tools can inspect exhaust systems, but a good guide for deciding which one is right for you may come down to the articulation of the camera probe. If you will be navigating curves, bends, or areas that aren’t directly in front of you, an inspection camera with either 2-Way (TD500) or 4-Way articulation (TF600) is highly recommended. If you are inspecting an engine cylinder directly in front of you and only requires a straight path, a non-articulating automotive borescope (NTS700/NTS600/NTS500) could be used in that instance. While the automotive borescope camera probes still bend and have a simi-flexible design, the versions with an articulating design usually make it more suitable for navigating tight exhaust pathways.

Final Thoughts

Inspecting your car’s exhaust for leaks using an automotive inspection camera is a practical, efficient way to stay ahead of potential problems. By understanding the signs of leaks and knowing how to use a borescope effectively, you can protect your vehicle’s performance, safety, and longevity—all without expensive or invasive inspections.