A muffler is a key part of an internal combustion engine vehicle; it is tasked with two important jobs. First, it minimizes the amount of exhaust system noise that comes from the vehicle’s exhaust ports, which then runs out the exhaust pipes. The muffler basically obscures the loud sounds of the exhaust system. Second, it is needed to direct exhaust gases out of your vehicle’s engine.
With proper care, a decent muffler can last five to seven years, but one that’s defective or worn too soon is likely to stop being effective within a couple years. To protect your muffler, avoid flying over speed bumps and modifying the muffler, and rinse underneath your vehicle after driving on salty roads.
Ultimately, as a car owner it’s your responsibility to maintain and care for it. If you don’t ensure its condition, then it will not function properly and will wind up costing you big when repairs are needed. Let’s ask an experienced muffler shop in Madison, TN about the warning signs of a failing muffler.
Misfiring engine
All the parts and components of a car engine and its systems —both working and connecting hardware—must be placed together in a certain order to work correctly. For example, vehicle exhaust runs through and out the exhaust system, starting at the exhaust valve chamber and flowing into the exhaust pipes, through the catalytic converter, into the muffler and exiting the exhaust pipe.
If any exhaust components are damaged, then vehicle performance will suffer. Damage, such as holes inside the muffler, can cause misfiring in the engine. A car is only as efficient as the engine allows it to be, because without a proper engine and exhaust system, your car can’t move.
Loud exhaust
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may or may not detect overly loud exhaust sounds. However, out-of-the-ordinary loud exhaust noise is cause for concern. The noise could be the result of an exhaust leak within the muffler, not in exhaust components near the engine. While the muffler is supposed to decrease exhaust system vibrations, which lead to noise, a leak in the muffler has the potential to enhance any sounds coming from the system.
Moisture in exhaust pipes
As the vehicle’s engine and exhaust system (including the muffler) begin to cool down, moisture found in the air settles inside the exhaust pipe, and oftentimes inside the muffler. This kind of moisture in any part of the exhaust system is not good. In fact, accumulated moisture in the muffler and pipes can start to corrode the metal. The constant routine of warming up and cooling down leads to muffler rust, which means exhaust gases and noise will begin to leak out. Excessive condensation dripping from the exhaust pipe is a sign of wear.
Should your vehicle’s exhaust system start acting up, take it in to a specialty muffler shop in Madison, TN first to find out if this is indeed the issue. A thorough inspection and testing will confirm one way or the other. No matter the muffler or tailpipe problem you are having, you can count on the experts at Madison Muffler & Auto Repair for all your muffler service needs.