Do You Know What Causes a Muffler to go Bad?
Most drivers don’t think too much about the muffler until they start to notice that it is a little noisier than usual. They may start to see smoke or notice bad odors. Or they step on the accelerator and their vehicle doesn’t respond. Or the “check engine” light may start flashing while you’re driving down the road. What do all these problems indicate? That there may be a-holes in your muffler or a leak in some other component of the exhaust system.
There are several things that could cause a muffler to go bad, such as:
- The muffler and pipes are exposed to salt on a consistent basis, either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven near an ocean;
- Driving over speed bumps and potholes too fast, or hitting obstacles in the road can damage a muffler.
- Installing a custom-fabricated exhaust system that exceeds the capability of your vehicle.
Here are some problems you will notice when your muffler is going bad:
- Engine Misfires – This can happen, particularly when slowing down, if the muffler has a hole inside and doesn’t direct the gases out of the vehicle.
- Lowered Fuel Economy – You will find yourself filling up the tank more often than usual.
- Noisy Muffler – The exhaust is leaking out through holes in the muffler.
- Bad Smell – Leaking fumes can be sucked into your car, creating a dangerous situation.
- Condensation in the exhaust pipe – Moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler as it cools down after driving. This can cause the muffler to rust, leak gases, and noise.
Check with your auto shop to see if they offer free inspections of the exhaust system. Take care of a damaged muffler so that it doesn’t turn into a costly repair of the entire exhaust system.
Want to know more about what causes a muffler to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about repairs to the exhaust system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River,, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Most drivers don’t think too much about the muffler until they start to notice that it is a little noisier than usual. They may start to see smoke or notice bad odors. Or they step on the accelerator and their vehicle doesn’t respond. Or the “check engine” light may start flashing while you’re driving down the road. What do all these problems indicate? That there may be a-holes in your muffler or a leak in some other component of the exhaust system.
There are several things that could cause a muffler to go bad, such as:
- The muffler and pipes are exposed to salt on a consistent basis, either from salt on icy or snowy roads or by being driven near an ocean;
- Driving over speed bumps and potholes too fast, or hitting obstacles in the road can damage a muffler.
- Installing a custom-fabricated exhaust system that exceeds the capability of your vehicle.
Here are some problems you will notice when your muffler is going bad:
- Engine Misfires – This can happen, particularly when slowing down, if the muffler has a hole inside and doesn’t direct the gases out of the vehicle.
- Lowered Fuel Economy – You will find yourself filling up the tank more often than usual.
- Noisy Muffler – The exhaust is leaking out through holes in the muffler.
- Bad Smell – Leaking fumes can be sucked into your car, creating a dangerous situation.
- Condensation in the exhaust pipe – Moisture in the air condenses inside the exhaust pipe and muffler as it cools down after driving. This can cause the muffler to rust, leak gases, and noise.
Check with your auto shop to see if they offer free inspections of the exhaust system. Take care of a damaged muffler so that it doesn’t turn into a costly repair of the entire exhaust system.
Want to know more about what causes a muffler to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about repairs to the exhaust system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River,, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
