A periodic check of the exhaust system makes good sense as your exhaust muffler/pipes are subject to water and road salt causing rust. The give away here is when your engine is getting louder and sounding more like a truck than a car. Often it’s the muffler rusting out as it is located at the back of the car where the temperature of the exhaust is the coolest. Moisture collects there and does not evaporate fast enough. During an inspection the connecting pipes, converter and resonator should also be checked and replaced if it is equally rusty. By driving with a leaking or loud exhaust is not only annoying, but also a health hazard as you are also exposing yourself to carbon monoxide poisoning.