Everything You Need to Know About Mufflers and Exhaust System Repair
The muffle’s primary function is to reduce sound coming through a vehicle’s exhaust system that results from the engine. When there is a problem with the muffler, it is most commonly a leak. When there is a leak in the exhaust, you generally hear an increase in the sound output your car makes. Additional problems that occur in the exhaust system include leaks prior to the muffler, issues with the catalytic converter, and issues with the exhaust manifold. These concerns not only make a car annoyingly loud, they can also affect performance and fuel efficiency—not to mention failing a state-required emissions test. It is important to bring your car in for exhaust or muffler repair as soon as you notice an issue. The longer the problem exists without repair, the worse it becomes and the more you will pay for the eventual repair.
Why do you need exhaust repair right away?
If there is a hole in the muffler, carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses can leak into the car’s cabin. The gasses are odorless and invisible. The passengers inside a vehicle with a leak can be exposed without knowing it. Exposure to carbon monoxide will start with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and a headache then, if the exposure continues, symptoms can progress to unconsciousness and eventual death.
The exhaust system does more than move gasses and reduce sound, it also assists with the engine’s performance and helps maintain fuel efficiency. When a problem with the muffler or exhaust is allowed to continue, not only with the leak or hole grow in size, it will also have an adverse effect on the engine, leading to a more costly repair.
A hole in the muffler can also result in such a loud noise that it can be over the legal limit. A driver can be sighted as a nuisance and even be refused entrance from businesses and housing developments.
What are the warning signs of an exhaust problem?
When there is a problem with the muffler or exhaust system, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. Again, it is important to bring your vehicle into an auto repair shop as soon as you can if you notice any of the symptoms listed below.
- Thumping Sound – Hissing, popping, or rumbling sounds coming from under the vehicle are likely signs of a leak somewhere in the exhaust system. This is the most common symptom of a problem with this area of the vehicle and is often the first sign that is noticeable, before the problem progresses. If the usual sound coming from the muffler gets louder in any way, it is time to have it checked out.
- Loss of Power – If the flow of exhaust from an engine is obstructed, back pressure increases. The increase of back pressure reduces the vehicle’s power. If you observe a lessening in power, it could be due to a problem with the exhaust system.
- Vibration – An increase in vibration is common when there is a hole in the muffler or other part of the exhaust system or a component has become disconnected. If you notice a vibration in the seat, steering wheel, or pedals, bring the car into a repair shop and have a mechanic take a look.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency – Problems with the exhaust will cause an engine to work harder. When it needs to work harder, it burns more gas. If you have to stop for gas more often than normal, it could be a sign of an issue with the exhaust.
- Odor – While carbon monoxide does not have a smell, other gasses emitted from the exhaust do. If you notice any type of smell coming from your car while you are driving, crack the windows and get it in for an inspection.
- Rumbling – If you notice a sound like rocks being shaken in a metal box, it may be the sound of a failing catalytic converter. In larger trucks and SUVs, the catalytic converter can be desirable to thieves as it has a high value as scrap metal. If you have a missing catalytic converter, you will experience a loud noise and decreased performance as soon as you start the vehicle.
- Overheating – Overheating may be due to a problem with the cooling system but it can also be caused by damage or a blockage in the muffler.
- Water Leaking from Multiple Areas – Condensation does come from the muffler, however, it should not be leaking from more than one spot. If you see water coming from different parts of the muffler, that is a sign of a leak.
- Excessive Rust – Some rust on the muffler is normal, but when it is in excess it could indicate that there is a leak in the muffler. If you notice a lot of rust, it is a good idea to have the muffler replaced. Even if there is no current leak, it will not be long before the rust eats a hole through the metal.
- Check Engine Light – Of course a dashboard light is always an indication of a problem. The onboard computer indicates a large number of concerns, from a triggered oxygen sensor to a problem with the catalytic converter. Whatever is causing the light to come on, it is well worth getting it checked out.
A healthy exhaust system is essential for a car to function effectively. When there is a problem, it not only bogs down the efficiency of the vehicle, it can also be dangerous. At the first sign of any of the above symptoms, bring your car into a qualified mechanic you trust. The list of symptoms may not always point to a problem with the exhaust system, they can be due to other concerns, but most mechanical problems only grow larger if they are not fixed sooner rather than later.
Local Mechanics With Local Recommendations
If you need to leave your car with us overnight, we can recommend some local cab services that will get you to and from the shop. Orange Cab has good rates and can take you from our shop in South Tacoma to wherever you need to go in and around the city. Ask us about bus or town car options if cabs aren’t your style.