How Do I Know if I Need a New Muffler

Photo by Davids Kokainis on Unsplash

Regardless of your knowledge of cars, you should know that a muffler is crucial. Your muffler operates as a sort of sound barrier. As a part of your car’s exhaust system, the muffler quiets the vehicle and is located at the rear. However, the real question is how do you know when you need a new one? There are three major warnings that you should keep an eye out for. These signs are the muffler’s sound, the amount of exhaust fumes, and gas mileage.

Muffler Noise

The first and most obvious sign that your muffler needs to be replaced is the sound that it makes. At first, it may be subtle, but you will hear a roaring noise that is coming from your engine. However, as the problem intensifies the sound will increase in volume. This means that the condition of your current muffler is worsening, and you should look to replace it before it causes further damage. This noise is typically the first warning sign that you will notice because the sound is quite obnoxious.

Exhaust Fumes

The next clue will affect your sense of smell. The volume of fumes emitted from your exhaust will tell you if your muffler needs replaced. The muffler works to limit the fumes that leak into the vehicle’s cabin area. You will begin to notice a more pungent fume smell from the inside of your car. This is another sign that you need a new muffler.

Gas Mileage

A final way to know that your muffler isn’t working properly is your gas mileage. The number of miles per gallon your vehicle usually gets will begin to steadily decrease. You will notice that you are making more frequent visits to the gas pump. Your car may be leaking fuel, which is also a safety hazard. If this is the case, you should purchase a new muffler as soon as possible.

All of these warnings signs will tell you if your car needs a new muffler. Driving around with a bad muffler is damaging to your vehicle and your personal and financial health. It is best to install a new muffler as soon as you notice any warning signs. This will limit the amount of damage caused to your vehicle by a faulty muffler.