Exhaust System: Got a Noisy Muffler?
Whether or not a vehicle’s exhaust system is operating properly is usually the last thing on people’s minds as they start out on their summer road trip. That is until they face the stares of other motorists as they pull in to a gas pump with a noisy muffler. Some drivers don’t understand that the work of the exhaust system does more than keeping your car quiet. Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler.
Do you know the four primary functions of the exhaust system? They are:
- Route the waste gases away from the passenger cabin,
- Help the engine run properly,
- Maintain optimum fuel efficiency, and
- Reduce the amount of polluting emissions into the environment.
Watch out for these signs of problems:
- Catalytic converter -- A failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic. Or, if it has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup. The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves.
- Exhaust leak -- An exhaust leak can be caused by road conditions and rust, as well as just normal wear and tear. Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of a vehicle, it is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause it to break down over time.
- Rust -- The water vapor produced by the catalytic converter can also be problematic. If you only take your vehicle for short trips, the water vapor produced does not have a chance to be expelled. It condenses back into the water, resulting in rust. Dulfer, another by-product of engine emissions, mixes with water left in the exhaust system, can form a corrosive acid that will eat away at the exhaust system.
Note to Remember: Delaying a needed repair to the exhaust system or muffler can be costly. Continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating systems.
Need an inspection of the exhaust system for a noisy muffler? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Rum River offers quality auto repair and detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
Whether or not a vehicle’s exhaust system is operating properly is usually the last thing on people’s minds as they start out on their summer road trip. That is until they face the stares of other motorists as they pull in to a gas pump with a noisy muffler. Some drivers don’t understand that the work of the exhaust system does more than keeping your car quiet. Don’t just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler.
Do you know the four primary functions of the exhaust system? They are:
- Route the waste gases away from the passenger cabin,
- Help the engine run properly,
- Maintain optimum fuel efficiency, and
- Reduce the amount of polluting emissions into the environment.
Watch out for these signs of problems:
- Catalytic converter -- A failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic. Or, if it has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup. The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves.
- Exhaust leak -- An exhaust leak can be caused by road conditions and rust, as well as just normal wear and tear. Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of a vehicle, it is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause it to break down over time.
- Rust -- The water vapor produced by the catalytic converter can also be problematic. If you only take your vehicle for short trips, the water vapor produced does not have a chance to be expelled. It condenses back into the water, resulting in rust. Dulfer, another by-product of engine emissions, mixes with water left in the exhaust system, can form a corrosive acid that will eat away at the exhaust system.
Note to Remember: Delaying a needed repair to the exhaust system or muffler can be costly. Continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating systems.
Need an inspection of the exhaust system for a noisy muffler? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Rum River offers quality auto repair and detailing services. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
