Do You Know How to Tell if Your Muffler is Bad?
Most drivers know when something is starting to go wrong with the muffler on their car. It may become noisier than usual or start emitting smoke and obnoxious smells. Or there may be a delay in power when you step on the accelerator. Or the “check engine” light may start flashing. These problems are commonly associated with holes in your muffler or a leak in some component of the exhaust system.
You can expect a muffler to last about five to seven years without any problems. Its purpose is to reduce the noise and exhaust fumes coming from your muffler. But, because the muffler is exposed to the elements on the underside of your vehicle, there are several things that can cause your muffler to develop problems prematurely:
- Exposure to salt—either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven near an ocean;
- Driving over speed bumps and potholes too fast, or hitting obstacles in the road.
- Custom fabricated exhaust system that exceeds the capability of your vehicle.
Do you know how to tell if your muffler is bad? Here are some problems you will notice:
- Misfiring Engine – This can happen, particularly when slowing down, if the muffler has a hole inside and doesn’t direct the gases out of the vehicle.
- Lower MPG – A problem in the exhaust system will mean you will be filling up the tank more often than usual.
- Noisy Muffler – This usually occurs because of an exhaust leak when the muffler is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – An exhaust system with a bad smell is a dangerous situation. Leaking fumes can be sucked into your car.
- Condensation in the exhaust pipe – As the exhaust system cools down after driving, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. As this moisture collects, the exhaust pipe and muffler can rust, leaking gases and noise.
You may find that most auto shops offer free inspections of the exhaust system. Be sure to take care of any recommended maintenance or repair.
Do you need to know more about how to tell if your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment for an inspection of your exhaust system. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Most drivers know when something is starting to go wrong with the muffler on their car. It may become noisier than usual or start emitting smoke and obnoxious smells. Or there may be a delay in power when you step on the accelerator. Or the “check engine” light may start flashing. These problems are commonly associated with holes in your muffler or a leak in some component of the exhaust system.
You can expect a muffler to last about five to seven years without any problems. Its purpose is to reduce the noise and exhaust fumes coming from your muffler. But, because the muffler is exposed to the elements on the underside of your vehicle, there are several things that can cause your muffler to develop problems prematurely:
- Exposure to salt—either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven near an ocean;
- Driving over speed bumps and potholes too fast, or hitting obstacles in the road.
- Custom fabricated exhaust system that exceeds the capability of your vehicle.
Do you know how to tell if your muffler is bad? Here are some problems you will notice:
- Misfiring Engine – This can happen, particularly when slowing down, if the muffler has a hole inside and doesn’t direct the gases out of the vehicle.
- Lower MPG – A problem in the exhaust system will mean you will be filling up the tank more often than usual.
- Noisy Muffler – This usually occurs because of an exhaust leak when the muffler is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – An exhaust system with a bad smell is a dangerous situation. Leaking fumes can be sucked into your car.
- Condensation in the exhaust pipe – As the exhaust system cools down after driving, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. As this moisture collects, the exhaust pipe and muffler can rust, leaking gases and noise.
You may find that most auto shops offer free inspections of the exhaust system. Be sure to take care of any recommended maintenance or repair.
Do you need to know more about how to tell if your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment for an inspection of your exhaust system. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
