Muffler Repair

The importance of muffler repair

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:

• Your engine run cooler
• Improve fuel economy
• Increase your vehicle’s power for towing
• Increase torque from your 4WD

How often mufflers need repair

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.

Conditions that affect the need for muffler repair

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.

How to tell if your vehicle needs a muffler repair

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:

• Exhaust making a louder than normal noise
• Decreased engine power
• Degraded engine performance
• Reduced fuel economy
• Sluggish acceleration
• Misfiring engine
• Exhaust system condensation
• Higher than usual engine temperature
• Strong exhaust odors
• Holes or major rust visible on the exterior of the muffler

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.

How long it takes for a muffler repair

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.

What is included in a muffler repair

The specifics of your muffler service appointment will depend on your vehicle’s situation. Our typical vehicle muffler repair services include:

• Exhaust system inspection
• Removal of the original muffler
• Repair of the muffler (if possible and desired)
• Replacement of muffler (if needed)
• Post-installation inspection

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.