Your muffler is constantly working to muffle and reduce the sounds that exit your exhaust system. Because engines generate a lot of power, the process can be loud as gases are funneled throughout the exhaust system, and they would even be even louder if it weren’t for your muffler. The muffler is exposed to high levels of heat and pressure, so the metal can eventually rust, crack, or form holes.
If you hear louder noises, your car is misfiring, or maybe your fuel economy is decreasing, among other problems, it might be time to inspect your muffler. And while a muffler is supposed to last anywhere between five to seven years, there’s no guarantee that it’ll hold up from the heat, pressures, and overworking. The experts at Performance Muffler offer some of the most common muffler problems and how you can try to fix them.
Your Car Sounds Louder
Since a muffler’s main objective is to muffle noises, most of the symptoms associated with a bad muffler deal with sound. When a muffler is damaged, you’ll likely hear the problem. If your car is suddenly louder, that can indicate a damaged muffler or a leak in the exhaust system. You won’t want to drive on an issue like this for more than a few days.
Your Engine Misfires
Excessive damage to the muffler will result in your car misfiring. An engine misfire feels like a temporary stumble or loss of speed, but the engine recovers after a few seconds. A muffler sits at the end of the exhaust system, and when fumes can’t properly exit it causes a misfire, which often indicates the muffler isn’t working properly to efficiently let out fumes.
A Decrease in Fuel Economy Performance
A good exhaust system is key to a vehicle’s optimal performance. The muffler is often the quickest major component of the exhaust system to deteriorate. So, cracks or holes in the muffler disrupt the flow of exhaust fumes. With a decreased performance, your car will have a worse fuel economy. Pay attention when getting gas to see if your fuel economy seems to have decreased.
A Loose Muffler
While a bad or damaged muffler will have some louder noises than normal, a loose muffler will have a more significant rattling noise under your vehicle. This often is a result from damage in slight accidents or problems under the vehicle, such as running over potholes that can harm the muffler.
Bad Odor from Your Vehicle
As exhaust fumes travel throughout the exhaust system, they are supposed to easily be released from the tailpipe after the muffler. If you smell fumes inside or outside your vehicle, this is very likely a problem with the entire exhaust system, but one part to look at is the muffler. With a muffler’s rust, cracks, or holes, it’s no question it can be releasing fumes.
How to Fix a Broken or Bad Muffler
Unfortunately, the only recommended fixes to a bad muffler are if the muffler has minor damage. You can patch up cracks or small holes with adhesive material that will bond to the muffler’s surface. Be sure to let your car sit off for a while before trying to repair any object with the exhaust system.
If you can’t handle a muffler repair by yourself, then don’t worry because Performance Muffler has got you covered. Our team brings over 15 years of experience to tackle any problems your vehicle’s exhaust system faces. Whether your car has smoke coming from the exhaust, an exhaust leak, a bad catalytic converter, or more, we can help you. Ultimately, the quicker you act to get your car professional help, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.
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Contact us today to get a free quote for a custom exhaust, catalytic converter, or exhaust repair in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Find out why our customers have been proud to do business with us since we started in 2007.