What your muffler does
Your muffler is the part of the exhaust system that quiets the noise coming straight out of your engine. It makes a big difference. So much so that when it starts to fail, the noise gets pretty obvious, pretty fast.
Inside, a muffler is a finely tuned series of tubes and chambers. Over time it develops holes and cracks, and those wreck its ability to deaden sound. Rust does most of the damage, and a few wet Northwest winters give it plenty of help. A muffler that has been bent or dented underneath won’t work properly either.
Signs of an exhaust problem
- A rumble or roar that gets louder when you accelerate
- Rattling from under the car
- More smoke from the tailpipe than usual
- The smell of exhaust inside the car
- A hanging or dragging pipe
- A check engine light, which is often a sensor or the catalytic converter
Don’t put off an exhaust leak. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, and a leak ahead of the muffler can let it into the cabin.
Repair or replace?
Some mufflers can be repaired, and now and then we find one that was never installed properly in the first place. We’ll take your car in and give you a proper diagnosis. More often, though, a noisy muffler needs replacing, and when that’s the case we’re an affordable place to have it done.
The whole system, not only the muffler
- Mufflers and resonators
- Exhaust pipes, flex pipes and tailpipes
- Hangers, clamps and gaskets
- Exhaust manifolds
- Oxygen sensors
- Catalytic converters, including replacement after a theft
For a plain-English tour of how all of these parts work together, read exhaust system basics and common issues.
Bring us your car, truck or SUV. KC Martin can be your complete auto repair consultant for the care of the whole vehicle, starting with the part that’s making all the noise.