Are you concerned that you might have a bad muffler on your hands? If so, you’ll want to know the signs and know what to do. Leaving muffler problems untreated could lead to bigger problems down the road, so it’s smart to take the appropriate action.
Whether it’s your muffler or anything else, it’s wise to make sure that you’re on top of car maintenance. Keep reading to learn the 10 warning signs of a bad muffler!
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1. You’re Not Getting the Fuel Economy You Expect
When you notice that the fuel economy of your car starting to sink, that’s an indication that your muffler might have issues. Since mufflers contribute to good fuel economy, having to make more visits to the gas station could point to a problem. If you’re concerned, track your miles per gallon to see if there is a change for the worse.
2. A Noisier Car Could Mean a Bad Muffler
A car that is noisier than normal is another sign that you might have muffler problems. Since the muffler is supposed to help keep engine noises quieter, don’t hesitate to take your car in to get checked if the volume inside your car suddenly jumps.
If the muffler’s not the culprit, some other part of your exhaust system might be. Save yourself the pain of a noisy car ride and bigger problems later by addressing the issue right away.
3. Acceleration is Limited
When you depress the acceleration pedal, you should get a nice boost to your speed. If that’s not happening as easily as it used to, something might be wrong with your exhaust system. There may be a leak somewhere, and your muffler could be part of the problem — so get it checked.
4. There’s a Persistent Rattling Sound
A muffler that is hanging lower than normal or is not securely attached will start to rattle. And since the muffler sits on the underside of the car, you’ll know it when you hear it. The rattling sound not only is annoying, but it can also be dangerous if left unattended.
Bad muffler sound is a key warning sign, so make sure to take your car in to get repaired before the muffler completely detaches.
5. You See More Smoke Coming from the Muffler
Seeing a lot of smoke emerge from the muffler is another warning sign. It could indicate a blown gasket head, and it could also contribute to a bad smell inside your car. Smoke can contribute to health problems, too, so it’s in your best interest to take your car in for servicing immediately.
6. Your Muffler Doesn’t Look Right
It’s smart to do an inspection of the undercarriage of your car every so often — and to pay special attention to your exhaust system, including the muffler. Try to look underneath your car every month to see if anything looks damaged or out of place.
A quick visual inspection can alert you to problems that could get worse with time. Take note of rust, dents, holes, or other signs of wear on your muffler.
7. Does Your Car Smell Bad?
A car that smells bad could suggest muffler problems, too. And this a problem that you want to address right away since it could become dangerous if you let it fester.
Since the exhaust system helps release gas away from your car, a bad smell might point to a leak somewhere in the exhaust system. If these gasses are trapped inside your car and build up over time, they could become lethal.
8. You Can Hear the Exhaust
If you can hear the exhaust system working in your car, that means your muffler isn’t doing its job. And especially if you’re hearing noises while your car is idling, you have another reason to take your car in for servicing by the experts.
The noise produced by the cylinders in your car’s engine is loud, and your muffler is in place to help soften that sound. But if you can hear your car’s engine powering you down the highway all too well, that means your muffler or another part of your exhaust system could need repairs.
9. The Engine Won’t Fire Normally
If your exhaust system isn’t working properly, that can affect your engine. And since your muffler is part of the exhaust system, an engine that doesn’t fire properly could indicate clogged muffler symptoms.
Taking your car in for a regular tune-up can help determine if engine issues are related to your muffler or something else. You’ll save yourself money down the road!
10. Rust on the Car Could Mean Muffler Problems
Rust is another indication that something is wrong, so look for signs of rust on your car’s tailpipe or muffler. When a car is running, it is warm from use, but when it’s not running, the exhaust system will gradually return to a normal temperature. This area can be a magnet for moisture, which results in condensation.
Condensation leads to rust, and too much rust leads to a muffler that needs to be replaced. Keep your eye out for more condensation than normal, especially in the tailpipe and muffler area.
Take Care of Your Muffler Issue
Taking care of a bad muffler is an essential step in keeping your car in good shape. And proper car maintenance can extend the life of your car! Look and listen for the symptoms of a problematic muffler, and don’t hesitate to act before small issues snowball into bigger ones.
When you’re ready to take care of your muffler or any other car servicing needs you have, contact us and we can help keep your car running at its best!
