Your exhaust system may seem complicated, but at its essence, it’s an efficient network of pipes that remove the byproducts of igniting fuel from your engine. A few different systems deal with the gases or take advantage of them on their way out, such as a catalytic converter, which filters out harmful substances, or a turbocharger, which uses the gases to make the engine perform more efficiently.
Your muffler aids in keeping the expelled gases from making a lot of noise. Regular maintenance of these systems is mainly focused on inspections to ensure things are running smoothly. Mufflers can sustain damage from road debris striking them, which can open them up to corrosion. The catalytic converter produces quite a bit of heat, so any malfunction of its system could lead to damage from overexposure to high temperatures.
If your check engine light is flashing, it could indicate a problem with some element of your exhaust system and should be checked immediately. Otherwise, a good multi-point inspection will let you know the state of your exhaust system.