Worried About How Does A Bad Muffler Affect Your Car?

When the muffler is doing its job, you shouldn’t notice it while driving down the road. But many drivers don’t give the muffler much thought until it starts to sound like a roaring lion or they see smoke coming from the tailpipe. If this is the case, damage may already be taking place in the exhaust system and drivers should head to their auto shop. Issues with the muffler can disrupt the entire exhaust system.

The first thing to understand is the purpose of the exhaust system, which includes the catalytic converter and the muffler. First, the exhaust system reduces the noise coming from the engine, and secondly, it helps to filter gases out of the engine.

Mufflers typically last about five to seven years with normal wear and tear. However, because the muffler is mounted on the underside of vehicles, other factors can result in premature damage, such as salt on the roads, speed bumps, potholes, and rust and corrosion.

Here is how you can know if the damage is taking place in the exhaust system:

1. Hear unusual noises – A compromised muffler leaking exhaust fumes may make thumping, clunking, or rattling noises in the exhaust pipe.
2. A visual inspection of the muffler – This requires lifting the car on a jack so be sure to have your mechanic check for rust on the muffler. A small amount is normal, but a lot of rust will eventually turn into holes.
3. Check your car’s temperature – A damaged muffler can cause blockages in the exhaust system, resulting in abnormally high engine temperatures or loss of power.
4. Filling the tank too often – Exhaust leaks can affect the engine’s oxygen sensors, part of the fuel injection system. If these sensors cannot accurately manage your vehicle’s fuel consumption, you will be filling up the tank more often than usual.
5. Strong smells in the car – This is the most concerning sign of damage to the exhaust system. A persistent smell of gasoline or other fuel inside your vehicle means that these fumes are not being filtered out.

A word of advice: Take your car into your auto shop for regular checkups so that any problem can be detected early! A compromised exhaust system results in a noisy muffler decreased fuel efficiency, and toxic fumes entering the passenger cabin of your car.

Need to know more about how does a bad muffler affect your car? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a damaged exhaust system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

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