If you want your car to run efficiently, it is important that its parts be in good working order at all times. But if you have been a vehicle owner for many years, you have probably noticed that this can only happen if these parts are properly maintained and repaired or replaced when necessary. While a lot of people can easily tell that their vehicle is in distress, others may miss a lot of the clear signs and end up paying big.
When it comes to mufflers, there are several signs to look for to help determine if you should take your car into a muffler shop in Madison, TN for an inspection:
- Misfiring engine: One problem with your car’s exhaust system can cause the entire thing to not work as efficiently as it needs to. Since the muffler is part of this system, it shouldn’t be a surprise that if it is damaged, various things can happen, including engine misfiring. Misfiring doesn’t happen every time you drive, but it often occurs during deceleration and does require a repair if you want a properly functioning exhaust system.
- Loud exhaust: Most cars make a little bit of noise when you start them up and while you are driving, but the noise coming from your muffler can change when something is wrong. This specific noise can be loud and annoying, and definitely not what you will be used to hearing from your car. It is an indication that your muffler is not functioning properly due to being damaged or possibly having a hole in it.
- Unpleasant odors: Your muffler plays a key role in carrying fumes away from your vehicle so you don’t experience any bad smells on the inside of the car—that is, unless your muffler needs some attention, and the exhaust fumes find their way into your vehicle. It is not good to breathe in these fumes, which means that the sooner you get your muffler taken care of, the better it is for your health and your car.
- Low fuel economy: Low fuel economy can be a sign of a number of problems with your vehicle, including a bad muffler. The best way to tell if your fuel economy has changed is to keep track of how often you are at the gas station fueling up. If you used to go once a week, but now you are going twice a week, even though you are driving the same distance week after week, something is definitely wrong with your car, and it could be your muffler.
When you suspect that something is wrong with your muffler, the best thing for you to do is to get it inspected. Depending on the problem, a simple repair can be quickly done, but there is also the chance of you needing to replace your muffler completely. This is something an expert can tell you upon inspection.
Do you need your muffler inspected by the experts at a muffler shop in Madison, TN? If so, head over to Madison Muffler & Auto Repair to speak to a professional today.