Home > Services and Upgrades > Exhaust Systems: Repair, Upgrades & Installation

EXHAUST SERVICE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Exhaust work at Pickups Plus Cars falls into two categories. The first is repair: a rattle under the truck, a catalytic converter failing, or a muffler that's rusted through. The second is upgrades: a deeper tone, a cat-back or axle-back from Borla or MagnaFlow, or headers and downpipes built to move more air. We've been handling both for Central Ohio customers for 25+ years at our Lewis Center and Hilliard locations.

Nothing gets recommended until we've looked at the vehicle and understand what's actually going on. On the repair side, that means diagnosing the actual problem before suggesting parts. On the upgrade side, it means matching the right system to your vehicle and what you want out of it, not just selling you the most expensive option on the shelf.

EXHAUST SYSTEM SERVICES

Exhaust Repairs
We diagnose and repair exhaust leaks, cracked manifolds, broken hangers, damaged heat shields, and failed catalytic converters. Inspection comes before any recommendation. If a targeted repair will solve the problem, that's what we'll suggest. If the damage is too far gone, we'll walk you through replacement options and give you a straight answer on what makes sense.
Muffler Work
Muffler replacements and repairs are one of the most common exhaust jobs we do. Whether your muffler has rusted out, developed a hole, or is producing more noise than it should, we can assess whether a repair is viable or if replacement is the right call. We also handle resonator work for customers trying to reduce interior drone without giving up too much exhaust note.
Performance Exhaust Upgrades
Performance exhaust systems reduce backpressure, and the result is measurable gains in horsepower and torque. Cat-back and axle-back systems address the rear section of the exhaust. Headers and downpipes go further upstream and produce more significant power gains, especially on turbocharged vehicles. Tell us what you're driving and what you want out of it, and we'll match you to the right system.
Sound & Aesthetics
Exhaust sound is one of the more personal choices in automotive customization. Some customers want something aggressive that's noticeable at startup, while others want a cleaner tone that doesn't sound modified. We carry options across that range, and we can show you real-world examples before you commit. If you want a visual change without replacing the full system, exhaust tips are available in a range of finishes as a standalone upgrade.

SUBSERVICES

Common Exhaust Questions

I hear a loud noise coming from my exhaust. What could be causing it?

Common causes include a hole in the muffler, an exhaust leak at a joint or manifold gasket, or a failing catalytic converter. A rattle specifically usually means a broken heat shield or something loose inside the muffler. Don't put it off. Exhaust leaks can allow carbon monoxide into the cabin, and a failing catalytic converter will eventually trigger a check engine light and hurt fuel economy. Bring it in and we'll identify the source before recommending anything.
How do I know if my catalytic converter needs to be replaced?

The most common signs are a check engine light with a P0420 or P0430 code (catalyst efficiency below threshold), noticeably reduced fuel economy, a rotten egg smell from the exhaust, or a rattling sound from under the vehicle when the engine is cold. A catalytic converter doesn't always fail all at once, so symptoms can be gradual. We run a proper diagnostic before recommending replacement, because other issues, like a bad O2 sensor or an exhaust leak upstream, can produce the same symptoms.
What's the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust?

A cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back: the mid-pipe, resonator, muffler, and tips. An axle-back replaces only from the rear axle back, which is typically just the muffler and tips. Cat-backs have more impact on both sound and performance because they cover more of the system. Axle-backs cost less and work well if sound is your main goal. Which makes more sense depends on your vehicle, what you're trying to achieve, and your budget. We can walk you through both.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my vehicle warranty?

Not automatically. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from blanket warranty denials. A dealer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. However, if an aftermarket exhaust can be shown to have directly caused a specific failure, that particular repair may not be covered. In practice, most exhaust upgrades on well-maintained vehicles don't create warranty issues. If you have a specific concern about your vehicle, come in and we'll talk through what the upgrade involves and any realistic risk.
Can I repair an exhaust leak myself, or should I bring it in?

Small exhaust leaks almost always look simpler than they are. Exhaust components run at high temperatures and take constant vibration, so DIY patch solutions rarely hold. Finding the actual source of a leak sometimes requires getting the system off the vehicle entirely. Proper repair also means using materials rated for exhaust temperatures, not hardware store solutions. Bring it in for a real assessment rather than spending money on something that won't last.