Did you know that your muffler and exhaust system seriously impact the way your car performs? Having an old or poorly maintained muffler can lead to lower gas mileage and may even cause you to fail your emissions tests.
By learning more about your muffler and exhaust system and when it needs to be replaced, you can keep your car running smoothly.
Do you want to learn more about the signs that you need to get a muffler replacement? Keep reading this guide to recognize the top signs that you need a new muffler.
Loud Sounds While Driving
What does a muffler do? It is an important component for your car that is used to reduce the noise that comes from your car’s exhaust systems. Because of this, one of the most common signs that you need to replace your muffler is if you notice loud sounds while you are driving.
Typically, you will notice these loud sounds when you are speeding up.
You may have heard this sound before when someone drives past your house. If they have a modified or damaged muffler, it will not block the sounds that your exhaust makes. Often, mufflers that have holes in them will make loud noises as well, especially as the holes get bigger.
Bad Smells
Next, you may need to replace a muffler if you notice a foul odor in your car. Because your muffler is part of your exhaust system, an old or damaged muffler will often result in foul odors in your vehicle.
This is because your muffler may not be able to filter the fumes out of your exhaust if it is leaky or damaged in another way. Instead, the fumes can get redirected into your vehicle, which can cause your vehicle to fail its emission tests.
Not only will it make it difficult to register your vehicle if you cannot pass the emissions test, but it can also be dangerous to your health. These fumes from your car exhaust leak can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
If you notice a bad smell or fumes in your vehicle, you need to get your muffler inspected for leaks or replaced.
Lower Gas Mileage
As was mentioned before, your muffler plays a big role in your car’s performance. This is because they improve the overall exhaust system, which makes it easier for your engine to run.
When your muffler is old or damaged, you may notice that your gas mileage starts to decrease and that your fuel efficiency isn’t as good.
After you replace your muffler, it will be better equipped to filter the exhaust away from your engine, which will give it room to breathe and allow it to use your gas more efficiently.
If you notice that you don’t get as much mileage out of your gas tank, you may want to inspect your muffler for problems. With a simple muffler replacement, you may find that you save money on gas each month!
Age
If your muffler is getting old, this is one of the easiest ways to know that it needs to be replaced. As with any vehicle component, your muffler will start to deteriorate over time. While you can expect them to last anywhere from five to seven years, other things may impact your muffler’s durability and longevity.
As your muffler ages, you may notice that there are holes in your muffler or rust spreading across the part.
Even if it is currently in good condition, it may be time for a replacement soon if your muffler is getting old.
Excessive Condensation
As your muffler removes the exhaust from your engine, it cools it down which leads to condensation. While a small amount of water dripping from your pipes is normal, having too much condensation is often the sign of a larger issue with your muffler.
This is because the moisture can settle inside your pipes and damage the inside of your muffler. If you have a lot of condensation in your pipes, there may be more internal damage to your muffler that you are not aware of and cannot see.
Often, excess condensation leads to corrosion, which is what causes your muffler to leak. If you notice excessive dripping from your muffler or have condensation leaking from multiple areas in your muffler, you need to get it inspected as soon as possible!
Rusty Muffler
Finally, you may need to get a new muffler if your current muffler is rusty. As was mentioned before, excess condensation in your pipes can lead to corrosion, rust, and leaks. However, you may have a rusty muffler even if you do not notice condensation or leaks coming from your muffler.
Regularly inspecting your muffler for rust can help you keep it in good condition and will help you identify an issue with your muffler before it causes worse damage to your vehicle.
If you have a rusty muffler and need a replacement, finding a diesel under-car service can help!
Need Help With a Muffler Replacement?
Getting a muffler replacement when it is time is necessary to keep your car running smoothly. Learning more about these signs you need a new muffler will prevent further damage to your car and will make it easier to spot the signs of an old or damaged muffler!
If you need help replacing a truck muffler, Diesel Performance Specialist can help! We provide everything from under-car services to engine maintenance and more for diesel trucks.
Contact us today to learn about our muffler replacement services and to book an appointment with our diesel experts.
