What Happens if Your Muffler is Broken?
A properly working exhaust system releases the toxic gas by-products of internal combustion through the muffler and is vital for the operating efficiency of your vehicle. The job of catalytic converters is to convert toxic exhaust into non-toxic water vapor and carbon dioxide. When your exhaust system starts to develop problems, it is important to take care of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car and your health!
So what happens if your muffler is broken? Here are four of the most common signs of exhaust system problems:
- Noisy Muffler – Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of your car, it is constantly exposed to damaging road conditions, such as salt, sand, or gravel. If your muffler is starting to get noisy, it may have developed a leak.
- Rust – If the water vapor produced by the catalytic converter doesn’t have time to fully evaporate before you have to park your car for the night, rust can start to develop (especially common if you drive a lot of short distances). To make matters worse, sulfur (a by-product of engine emissions), can mix with the water and form a corrosive acid that eats away at the muffler.
- Reduced gas mileage – Well-tuned exhaust systems typically produce the best fuel efficiency. If you are driving the same as always but you're filling up your tank more often than usual, there could be a problem with your muffler.
- Smell of exhaust fumes – Your muffler should be funneling the exhaust fumes outside and away from your car; but if they're going inside the car, there could be a leak in your exhaust system.
Problems in the exhaust system will decrease fuel economy and allow harmful fumes (such as carbon monoxide) to enter the passenger cabin of your car. Remember to have your exhaust system inspected at each oil change to make sure there are no leaks or rust!
Wondering what happens if your muffler is broken? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about exhaust system repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
A properly working exhaust system releases the toxic gas by-products of internal combustion through the muffler and is vital for the operating efficiency of your vehicle. The job of catalytic converters is to convert toxic exhaust into non-toxic water vapor and carbon dioxide. When your exhaust system starts to develop problems, it is important to take care of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car and your health!
So what happens if your muffler is broken? Here are four of the most common signs of exhaust system problems:
- Noisy Muffler – Because the muffler is mounted on the underside of your car, it is constantly exposed to damaging road conditions, such as salt, sand, or gravel. If your muffler is starting to get noisy, it may have developed a leak.
- Rust – If the water vapor produced by the catalytic converter doesn’t have time to fully evaporate before you have to park your car for the night, rust can start to develop (especially common if you drive a lot of short distances). To make matters worse, sulfur (a by-product of engine emissions), can mix with the water and form a corrosive acid that eats away at the muffler.
- Reduced gas mileage – Well-tuned exhaust systems typically produce the best fuel efficiency. If you are driving the same as always but you're filling up your tank more often than usual, there could be a problem with your muffler.
- Smell of exhaust fumes – Your muffler should be funneling the exhaust fumes outside and away from your car; but if they're going inside the car, there could be a leak in your exhaust system.
Problems in the exhaust system will decrease fuel economy and allow harmful fumes (such as carbon monoxide) to enter the passenger cabin of your car. Remember to have your exhaust system inspected at each oil change to make sure there are no leaks or rust!
Wondering what happens if your muffler is broken? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about exhaust system repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
