What Does a Muffler do for Your Car?

As long as your vehicle runs quietly, you may not give your muffler a second thought. Many people don’t know exactly what their muffler does until it starts to sound like a roaring monster. Did you know that the muffler’s main job is to control engine noise? Thus, noise is the biggest indication of muffler problems.

So just how does a muffler work? Inside a muffler are a set of perforated tubes. These tubes reflect the sound waves produced by the engine to minimize the noise that eventually leaves your vehicle. The exhaust, along with the sound waves, enters the muffler through a center tube bouncing off the back wall of the muffler and then pushed into the main body. Once in the main body of the muffler, they pass through a series of holes that takes them through the last chamber and out the exit pipe.

So what does a muffler do for your car? Here are two big reasons why a properly working muffler and exhaust system are so important:

• Noise Control -- As your engine runs, it generates thousands of little sound bursts as highly pressurized gas is released. These sounds travel down the exhaust pipe. If not for the muffler, these sounds would be very loud. Different types of mufflers will give you different sounds. Whether you want to make your vehicle as quiet as possible or get a deep growling sound, there is a muffler out there for you!
• Performance Enhancement -- Mufflers are also used to increase the performance of your vehicle. Basically, the faster your engine can get rid of exhaust gases, the faster it can take in oxygen and generate more power. Because noise levels of mufflers are strictly monitored, muffler experts have created many efficient designs that minimize exhaust exit time while still keeping in line with noise regulations.

Tip to Remember: At the first sign of exhaust problems, such as a noisy muffler, decreased fuel mileage, or a bad odor, schedule an inspection as soon as possible to prevent bigger and more costly problems with your exhaust system.

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

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