Can your car be heard down the street before it is seen? Does it lose power even though you are pressing down on the accelerator? Or has the “check engine” light started flashing on the instrument panel? If these problems sound familiar, there may be a leak in your vehicle’s exhaust system.
Mufflers should typically last about five to seven years, possibly longer depending on your driving conditions. And, unless you have installed a customized muffler for added noise, mufflers should not be noticed when your car is running. Of course, some circumstances will cause a muffler to develop problems quicker than usual, such as hitting potholes, speed bumps, or obstacles in the road too hard, custom exhaust that exceeds the capability of your vehicle, or constant exposure to salt (either from icy roads or ocean air).
If you need to know more about how do you know when your muffler is bad, here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Misfiring Engine – If the muffler has a hole in it, it can cause the engine to misfire, particularly when slowing down.
- Lower MPG – Filling up the gas tank more often could mean there is a problem in the exhaust systems.
- Noisy Muffler – The muffler itself is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – A bad smell from the exhaust is a dangerous situation as toxic fumes can be sucked into your car.
- Condensation in the pipes – As the exhaust system cools down, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. This condensation can eventually rust out the exhaust pipe and muffler, leaking fumes and noise.
Your mechanic should inspect the exhaust system at the same time as other maintenance items are being done. Neglecting to take care of any recommended maintenance and repairs only allows a problem to get bigger, more costly, and possibly compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Have more questions about how do you know when your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about your vehicle’s exhaust systems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
Can your car be heard down the street before it is seen? Does it lose power even though you are pressing down on the accelerator? Or has the “check engine” light started flashing on the instrument panel? If these problems sound familiar, there may be a leak in your vehicle’s exhaust system.
Mufflers should typically last about five to seven years, possibly longer depending on your driving conditions. And, unless you have installed a customized muffler for added noise, mufflers should not be noticed when your car is running. Of course, some circumstances will cause a muffler to develop problems quicker than usual, such as hitting potholes, speed bumps, or obstacles in the road too hard, custom exhaust that exceeds the capability of your vehicle, or constant exposure to salt (either from icy roads or ocean air).
If you need to know more about how do you know when your muffler is bad, here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Misfiring Engine – If the muffler has a hole in it, it can cause the engine to misfire, particularly when slowing down.
- Lower MPG – Filling up the gas tank more often could mean there is a problem in the exhaust systems.
- Noisy Muffler – The muffler itself is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – A bad smell from the exhaust is a dangerous situation as toxic fumes can be sucked into your car.
- Condensation in the pipes – As the exhaust system cools down, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. This condensation can eventually rust out the exhaust pipe and muffler, leaking fumes and noise.
Your mechanic should inspect the exhaust system at the same time as other maintenance items are being done. Neglecting to take care of any recommended maintenance and repairs only allows a problem to get bigger, more costly, and possibly compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Have more questions about how do you know when your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about your vehicle’s exhaust systems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
