Is the muffler on your vehicle announcing your arrival before you can be seen? Is it hard to gain power when accelerating? Or do you see the “check engine” warning light illuminated? These are problems that are commonly associated with a leak in your vehicle’s exhaust system.
The muffler should actually operate quietly in the background with a lifespan of about five to seven years. Of course, there are several factors that can cause mufflers to develop problems prematurely, such as:
- Exposed to salt—either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven consistently near an ocean;
- Hitting speed bumps, potholes, or other obstacles in the road too hard.
- Custom fabrication that exceeds the capability of your vehicle to handle it.
So how do you know if your muffler is bad? Here are some signs that will alert you of a problem:
- Misfiring Engine – If the muffler has a hole inside and loses its efficiency, it can cause the engine to misfire, particularly when slowing down.
- Lower MPG – More trips than usual to the pump could mean there is a problem in the exhaust system.
- Noisy Muffler – This is usually the result of an exhaust leak that occurs when the muffler itself is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – An exhaust system with a bad smell is a dangerous situation. If there is a leak, the fumes can be sucked into your car. Make sure you have any bad smells checked out as soon as possible.
- Condensation in the pipes – When the exhaust system, including the muffler, cool down, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. As this moisture collects, it will eventually rust out the exhaust pipe and the muffler and start to leak gases and noise.
When it comes to your muffler, don’t overlook recommended maintenance and repairs. Neglect will only cause the problem to get bigger, more costly, and possibly compromise the safety of your vehicle. Most auto shops offer free inspections so you can know what's happening with your car.
Need to know more about how do you know if your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about exhaust systems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Is the muffler on your vehicle announcing your arrival before you can be seen? Is it hard to gain power when accelerating? Or do you see the “check engine” warning light illuminated? These are problems that are commonly associated with a leak in your vehicle’s exhaust system.
The muffler should actually operate quietly in the background with a lifespan of about five to seven years. Of course, there are several factors that can cause mufflers to develop problems prematurely, such as:
- Exposed to salt—either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven consistently near an ocean;
- Hitting speed bumps, potholes, or other obstacles in the road too hard.
- Custom fabrication that exceeds the capability of your vehicle to handle it.
So how do you know if your muffler is bad? Here are some signs that will alert you of a problem:
- Misfiring Engine – If the muffler has a hole inside and loses its efficiency, it can cause the engine to misfire, particularly when slowing down.
- Lower MPG – More trips than usual to the pump could mean there is a problem in the exhaust system.
- Noisy Muffler – This is usually the result of an exhaust leak that occurs when the muffler itself is damaged or has a hole in it.
- Obnoxious odor – An exhaust system with a bad smell is a dangerous situation. If there is a leak, the fumes can be sucked into your car. Make sure you have any bad smells checked out as soon as possible.
- Condensation in the pipes – When the exhaust system, including the muffler, cool down, the moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler. As this moisture collects, it will eventually rust out the exhaust pipe and the muffler and start to leak gases and noise.
When it comes to your muffler, don’t overlook recommended maintenance and repairs. Neglect will only cause the problem to get bigger, more costly, and possibly compromise the safety of your vehicle. Most auto shops offer free inspections so you can know what's happening with your car.
Need to know more about how do you know if your muffler is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about exhaust systems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
