A car’s muffler provides an essential function: it muffles the sound of the car’s engine and prevents unnecessary noise pollution. To do this, it uses resonating chambers inside the car’s exhaust pipe that help smooth out the engine’s sound. The resonating chambers also help prevent excessive back pressure in the system, which can cause damage to other parts of the car’s exhaust system, including the catalytic converter. Here are some signs of muffler failure you should look out for!
Excessive Engine Noise
One of the most apparent signs of a failing muffler is excessive engine noise. The muffler’s primary role is to dampen engine noise. Without a properly functioning muffler, your engine can be extremely loud and lead to police citations in specific locations.
Poor Fuel Economy
Another common symptom of muffler failure is poor fuel economy. Your car’s engine will need to work harder to produce power if there are issues with the vehicle’s exhaust components. When exhaust gases can’t escape from the engine as they should, the engine’s performance will suffer.
Engine Misfires
While many issues can cause your car’s engine to misfire, the muffler is a common cause. For example, suppose there’s a problem with the muffler that inhibits the escape of exhaust gases. In that case, the engine may not be able to release exhaust fully when the exhaust valves open. This will result in poor fuel/air mixture and possible misfiring cylinders.
Hanging or Damaged Tailpipe
One of the most common problems with the car’s muffler is physical damage to the muffler or tailpipe. Years of driving on poor roads or damage can cause one of the muffler mounts to break. When this occurs, you will see the tailpipe hanging lower than usual, or you may hear strange noises from the tailpipe.
Rusted mufflers and especially tailpipes are also a common occurrence. As the hot muffler cools down once the engine is shut off, condensation can collect and cause rust over time. Eventually, this rust will cause the muffler to fail, which is usually on older vehicles.
While mufflers typically last many years, they are susceptible to damage and failure. It is essential to have your muffler repaired or replaced if it fails, as the problems will only worsen if ignored. Fortunately, muffler replacement is a relatively routine repair that an experienced mechanic can handle without much trouble or expense. If your muffler is going bad, do your ears a favor and see your mechanic to get it replaced.
