If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, whether it’s across town or across the state, your car deserves a little extra attention before you load it up and hit the highway. At Exhaust Plus Auto Center in Columbia, TN, we see a spike in breakdowns every year around the holidays—and many of them are preventable.

Why Exhaust Health Matters More in the Winter

Colder temperatures put extra stress on your vehicle, especially your exhaust system. Metal contracts in the cold, which can turn small cracks or weak spots into loud leaks almost overnight. Beyond the noise, a damaged exhaust can reduce fuel efficiency and, more importantly, allow harmful gases to leak where they shouldn’t.

Michael’s Holiday Tip from the Shop Floor

“If your car suddenly sounds louder or has a rattling noise when you start it in the morning, don’t ignore it. Cold starts expose exhaust problems fast, and that’s when we see pipes, flex joints, or hangers finally give out.”

Other Holiday Prep Items We Check

When customers come in for holiday travel inspections, we always look beyond just the exhaust:

  • Exhaust leaks, loose heat shields, and failing catalytic converters
  • Brakes and brake noise
  • Battery health (cold weather kills weak batteries)
  • Suspension rattles that worsen on long drives

Travel With Confidence This Season

Nothing ruins holiday plans faster than a breakdown on the side of the road. A quick inspection at Exhaust Plus Auto Center in Columbia, Tennessee can catch small issues before they become expensive repairs—or dangerous situations.

If your car smells strange, sounds louder than usual, or just doesn’t feel right, now is the time to have it checked.