Before your vehicle’s exhaust exits the tailpipe, it must first pass through another key part of the exhaust system – the muffler. As the name implies, mufflers do dampen engine noise, but they also have another important purpose. What some vehicle owners may not realize is that mufflers are vital to the health of you and your passengers. We have all heard of carbon monoxide poisoning, and carbon monoxide is not the only unhealthy gas present in the exhaust. The good news is that mufflers function like a chimney on a house to direct the toxic byproducts of combustion to the tailpipe and outside, so you don’t breathe them in. In addition to decreasing engine noise and protecting your health, scheduling a muffler repair when your vehicle needs one can also help:
Since mufflers are made of metal, they will rust over time, although some mufflers degrade faster than others.
The material used to build the muffler has the biggest impact on its expected longevity. Most
factory-installed mufflers are built with cast iron, a 400-series steel, or a combination of other alloys.
These mufflers are expected to last about five to seven years with normal wear and driving conditions. After
that time frame, the average stock muffler could start to fail and need repairs or replacement.
Some vehicles now come with an upgraded stainless-steel exhaust system which, barring road damage or other
complications, could last the life of the vehicle. Vehicle owners may also choose to upgrade their stock
muffler to a stainless-steel version proactively. Greater corrosion resistance is one of the main reasons some
brands and owners have made the switch to stainless steel.
Since the primary cause of muffler failure is corrosion, it is no surprise that exposure to corrosive
conditions can drastically shorten the life of a muffler. Vehicles driven during the winter on roads treated
with commercial deicer are at high risk, as are those in ocean-side communities with lots of salt in the air.
Depending on the quantity and type of exposure, unprotected mufflers could fail in as little as 2-4 years in
these adverse conditions.
Corrosion isn’t the only cause of muffler failure. Mufflers can also be damaged and need premature replacement
due to impact damage. Avoid scraping your muffler on speed bumps and the edges of low clearance potholes as
these road hazards can gouge a hole in even a new muffler.
The easiest ways to know you need a muffler are if the old one falls off on the road or your vehicle suddenly
sounds like a souped-up muscle car when you press the gas pedal. That said, it is better to learn to recognize
signs of trouble much earlier.
If you notice any of the following indicators, your vehicle may require a muffler repair:
By bringing your vehicle in for muffler inspection and repair sooner rather than later, you can avoid secondary damage to the rest of the exhaust system or even the engine.
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, your muffler may need to be repaired or replaced. Some smaller, isolated problems can sometimes be patched, but if your muffler is rusted out or has sustained massive, widespread damage, it will need to be replaced. If you require a new muffler, expect it to take 1-2 hours for the technician to remove the old muffler and install the replacement.
The specifics of your muffler service appointment will depend on your vehicle’s situation. Our typical vehicle muffler repair services include:
If you would like extra power and better performance from your vehicle, allow our team of automotive specialists to boost your engine. Have you noticed signs that your muffler or exhaust system needs attention? Reach out to us today and schedule your complete professional exhaust system repair.