Muffler trouble can do more than get on your nerves; it can also get you a fix-it ticket. The muffler is kind of an unsung hero when it comes to automobile parts. It keeps things quiet and you never really think about it until it needs to be repaired or replaced. Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair shares three signs your vehicle has muffler trouble below. Bring it in at the first sign of trouble to avoid further damage to the muffler and potentially to the rest of the exhaust system, as well.
What’s That Noise?!
The muffler’s job is to muffle your engine noise. If there is a hole in the muffler, a disconnection somewhere, or another muffler problem, you’ll likely hear it. Your engine may get super loud, and/or you may hear booming, hissing, or rattling sounds. It’s kind of cool to drive down the street in a car that sounds like a drag racer, but it’s better to have the muffler inspected sooner rather than later. In some cases, the muffler can be repaired rather than replaced, which will save you money.
Why Is My Engine Idling Roughly?
Unfortunately, the signs we’re going to discuss in this paragraph could mean you’ve got a bad muffler or a handful of other issues. If you maintain your vehicle properly, it should perform as it always does no matter how many miles you put on it. If the performance seems compromised, such as rough idling or clouds of smoke puffing out of the tailpipe, you could have muffler trouble, other trouble in the exhaust system, or fuel system problems. You may also notice a sudden drop in your gas mileage.
Is That My Muffler Dragging?
Finally, you might actually see your muffler if it has dropped. Even if it hasn’t, it’s a good idea to get down on your hands and knees and visually inspect your muffler to look for damage or signs of trouble. You should never see cracks, dents, or holes in the muffler, nor do you want to see that the muffler is hanging lower than normal. If you do see damage, have the muffler inspected and replaced right away. Failure to do so could actually introduce toxic gases into your vehicle’s cabin.
We here at Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair would be happy to inspect your muffler and exhaust system if you fear there is a problem. Call our Canton, MI, shop at 734-237-6953 to set up an appointment.
