Your car’s muffler has two functions: to reduce noise from the exhaust system and help direct gases and fumes out of the engine. Taking proper care of your foreign car’s exhaust system, including the muffler, is important to avoid expensive repairs. Even with regular maintenance, however, sometimes the muffler on a car wears out from normal use. Most mufflers last between five and seven years, although different driving conditions can speed up wear and tear.
Use these signs to tell if your muffler is going bad or is in poor condition. Muffler issues can lead to harmful exhaust fumes entering your car while you drive, which can be incredibly dangerous. If you think your muffler may be having issues, contact your trusted foreign auto repair shop in Conway, AR to set up an appointment to have it fixed.
Loud Noises
As one of the main functions of your muffler is to reduce noise from the rest of the exhaust system, one of the easiest ways to tell if you have a muffler problem is the presence of loud noise. Noise from a muffler that needs repair or replacement usually sounds like loud rattles or rumblings. The muffler works by moving exhaust fumes through a series of chambers, which reduce vibrations and therefore reduce noise. If your muffler has a leak or a hole, you will notice loud noises coming from the exhaust of your vehicle.
Lower Fuel Efficiency
The exhaust system in your car helps to improve the gas mileage and efficiency of your vehicle. If a component like the muffler isn’t working properly, exhaust fumes can wind up in your engine instead of being safely passed through the system and released. As these fumes stay in the engine compartment, they cause increased temperatures. The increased temperature causes your engine to run less efficiently. If your car suddenly requires more trips to the gas station for fuel, you may have a problem with your muffler.
Bad Odors
One of the most dangerous signs that your muffler is in bad condition is bad odors. The muffler on your vehicle serves an important role in helping harmful fumes through the exhaust system to be dissipated harmlessly outside your vehicle. If your muffler is not working properly, these fumes can become trapped within the exhaust system. If the leak or issue is severe enough, you may have harmful fumes entering your passenger cabin, which can be fatal if not taken care of properly.
As these exhaust fumes become trapped in the system due to a leaky or malfunctioning muffler, you will likely smell an unpleasant odor in your car. If you smell something that doesn’t seem right in your vehicle, set up an appointment with your mechanic right away to get the issue fixed.
Visit a Foreign Auto Repair Shop in Conway, AR
Car mufflers can wear out over time, so it’s important that you understand the warning signs of a bad muffler. If your foreign car’s exhaust system and muffler aren’t working properly, contact the foreign car repair experts at Riverdale Automotive today.