Your muffler is a key component of your car’s function. If you have a muffler that’s not functioning properly it can cause a plethora of different problems. A muffler that’s not functioning, can lead to exhaust back pressure which can cause other elements of your car to be damaged to the point that it's no longer drivable.
Here are 3 signs you need a muffler replacement:
1. Your muffler is making loud noises
The first sign that your muffler needs replacing is if you begin to hear any loud or strange noises coming from your car. One of your mufflers main purposes is to reduce the noise produced by the exhaust system, so a sudden loud noise while accelerating could mean that the muffler is no longer working. Cracks or holes in the muffler is typically what causes a muffler to become noisy.
2. A bad odor is coming from your muffler
Another warning sign that your muffler needs replacing is if you begin to smell a bad odor coming from your car. If your muffler isn’t filtering the fumes out of your exhaust correctly due to a leak or damage to the muffler, it could cause the fumes to become trapped. If you smell a foul odor it’s important to get your muffler checked out and repaired or replaced. Failing to do so could be extremely dangerous because exhaust fumes can be fatal over time.
3. Your gas mileage has drastically decreased
A third sign your muffler needs replacement is if you notice your gas mileage decreasing. A functioning muffler helps with efficiency and a dip in efficiency could be a warning sign of a malfunctioning muffler. If this happens, it’s important to get your car checked out by a mechanic to diagnose the issue. If the issue is the muffler, getting a muffler replacement will help filter your exhaust more efficiently and help increase your gas mileage.
Overall, these are the 3 tell-tale signs that your muffler needs replacing. If caught early on, a muffler replacement is fairly inexpensive and can help keep your car running for the long term. Paying attention to these 3 warning signs will help you maintain the overall efficiency of your car and help you prevent more extreme issues from occurring.