Posted on 1/30/2026
Most exhaust noises don’t show up when you’re idling in the driveway. They show up when you roll into the throttle, climb a hill, or merge onto the highway. That’s because acceleration puts the exhaust system under load. Flow increases, pressure changes, and the engine moves slightly on its mounts, which can turn a small weakness into a noise you can suddenly hear clearly. If you can describe the sound and when it happens, you’re already halfway to figuring out what’s going on. Why Exhaust Noises Show Up Under Acceleration When you accelerate, the engine produces more exhaust gas, and it moves more air through the pipes, catalytic converter, resonator, and muffler. Any small leak, loose bracket, or internal failure is more likely to make noise because the system is working harder. Acceleration also changes how the drivetrain shifts weight. The engine can rock slightly, which can make the exhaust pipe contact a crossmember, a heat shiel ... read more