Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Your Custom Exhaust | GVE London – Blog

As tempting as it may seem to us car enthusiasts to work on our cars ourselves, with nobody’s help, just some music blasting and tools in hand, not everything can be a DIY. For example, removing a custom exhaust from your supercar might seem simple. It is just a bunch of screws, right? Well, one mistake and you could damage yourself, your vehicle, and end up wasting precious time and money.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

From our years of experience working in the automotive industry, here are the common mistakes we see people make when trying to remove a custom exhaust:

Not Using the Right Tools

Unsurprisingly, the biggest blunder we see lads make is using incorrect or low-quality tools. Supercars are complex machines, and they tend to use specialised parts. They must be handled with care and precision, something the average DIYer may not realise the first time around. A custom exhaust system often requires very specific wrenches, sockets, and lifts that may not always be available at your general hardware store. Using the wrong tools can strip bolts, scratch surfaces, and even cause injuries.

Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Reading a manual is often frowned upon, and considered a beginner’s move. A horrible sentiment that we do not share nor encourage. Every car is unique, and custom exhaust systems are, well, customised, so they are inherently special. Skipping the manufacturer’s instructions is a recipe for disaster and often does lead to it. Always refer to your car’s manual or consult a supercar servicing expert.

Not Wearing Safety Gear

Exhaust systems get very hot and very heavy. From the outside, it appears to be a little pipe protruding out of your car’s tail, but the exhaust system overall is quite heavy. Safety should always come first.

First, ensure that the exhaust system has properly cooled down before starting. Then, understand that you are dealing with sharp edges, possibly even toxic fumes. Ideally, you want eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and a mask. Skipping safety gear might not seem like a big deal until you get burned, cut, or worse.

Read Also: Upgrade Your Supercar With Quicksilver Exhausts

Not Lifting The Car Properly

A mistake that can have truly serious consequences. Most supercar servicing facilities tend to have professional lifts, something which most individuals do not have at home. So, if you are going to work on removing your custom exhaust, you need to be extremely careful with how you raise the vehicle. Jack stands must be placed on solid ground and positioned under reinforced areas of the chassis. A poorly supported car can slip, crushing anything underneath—including you.

Not Testing The Installation

Once the new exhaust is in place, don’t just assume it’s perfect; it hardly ever is on the first try. Start the car and check for leaks, rattles, or warning lights. If something sounds off, inspect the mounting points and connections before driving off into the sunset.

Conclusion

The biggest mistake individuals make is not seeking professional assistance when needed. As fun as DIYs are, procuring the right tools and equipment, paired with the knowledge and experience required to remove a custom exhaust, can be quite the challenge. It is fantastic if you can do it yourself, just ensure you stay safe whilst doing so! For others, visit our supercar service centre, GVE London. Our facility is a car enthusiast’s dream hangout spot. Relax in our luxury lounge and check out our collection whilst we work on your supercar. From repairs to servicing to customisation, everything can be done under a single roof. Schedule an appointment with us today!