The muffler is a crucial part of the car, and not just because it keeps the volume of your engine down. Luckily, your muffler will often make it clear to you when there is an issue or it needs repairs, particularly by changes in the sounds your car makes. The certified technicians at Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville are here to help you identify any issues with your muffler before they become a problem.
What is a Muffler?
Your vehicle’s muffler is the cylindrical or ovular canister underneath your car towards the rear. It connects the exhaust pipe to the tail pipe, dampening the engine’s roar with sound-deadening insulation and the use of multiple chambers and channeling exhaust fumes such as carbon monoxide out. Most mufflers will last approximately five years. However, since they exist on the underside of the car, they can become damaged by rocks or debris kicked up by the wheels, as well as get worn down by elements like rain, snow, or even salt.
My Car is Making Weird Sounds: Muffler Edition
The primary sign that your muffler may need repair or replacement is that your car will sound louder overall. Because the muffler’s job is to quiet down the noise of the engine, if it is broken, loose, or otherwise damaged, the full volume of the engine will start to come through. A rattling or vibrating sound from beneath the car may indicate that the muffler has come loose, while the sound of something bouncing — similar to a pebble in an aluminum can — can mean that the insulation has come loose. If the muffler has a leak, that can produce whistling or hissing noises, and a loud pop, aka a backfire, means the problems are probably pretty severe.
Other Signs of Muffler Damage
Not all signs of a damaged muffler are audible. If you start to smell something bad — especially if you smell engine fumes — in or around your car, your muffler may be failing in such a way that it needs to be replaced or repaired immediately. If you start to notice rusty puddles under your muffler, or if you are seeing a steady stream of water leaking out, there is an issue. There will usually be some level of condensation inside a muffler, but there should never be that much. Also, keep an eye on the rust level. Too much means it is time to replace. Finally, if you are noticing you are not getting your usual gas mileage, that may be a muffler issue. As a muffler clogs or gets damaged, back pressure can build up, exhaust will move slowly through the chambers, and the muffler’s job is done very inefficiently.
Repairing and Replacing a Muffler
When your muffler needs a repair or to be replaced, don’t continue to drive around on it. It can be harmful to you — potentially releasing carbon monoxide into your car’s cabin — as well as reducing your fuel efficiency. Not to mention the increased noise from your engine could potentially violate noise pollution laws. And, while you technically can replace a muffler yourself, we do not recommend it if you don’t have the experience and know-how, considering how important a muffler is. Wilson Tire & Auto recommends you see a certified auto repair technician to keep your muffler in good working order.
