Faulty mufflers can lead to a variety of problems including over-loud engine noises, foul-smelling emissions, overheating, and plummeting engine power. If you think your car muffler is starting to fail, have a technician at Priority Toyota Chesapeake repair or replace it as soon as you can. Let’s look in more detail at the most common signs of a faulty muffler.
Stronger Emission Smells
Most of the engine’s worst emissions are cleaned by the catalytic converter, but the muffler also does some work in this regard. So if your muffler stops working for any reason, you may notice more unpleasant odors coming from your exhaust system.
Sudden Engine Roaring
As the name implies, the muffler reduces engine noise. Without a muffler, your car would be many decibels louder, which may bring it above the legal noise limits in your state. The noise difference is considerable, so if your muffler stops doing its job, you’re likely to immediately notice the jump in volume.
Falling Engine Power
When a muffler becomes clogged, the outflow of exhaust fumes becomes restricted. This causes a build-up of exhaust back pressure, which can choke the engine, preventing the combustion chambers from drawing in enough fresh oxygen. This interferes with the combustion process and results in misfiring and a loss of engine power.
Overheating Engine
The build-up of trapped exhaust fumes created by a clogged muffler will cause the exhaust system to heat up. It may also cause the engine to overheat, which can quickly lead to more serious – and expensive – damage. As the engine struggles to draw in fresh oxygen, the resulting misfiring and build-up of unburned fuel can cause a cascading effect, worsening the problem.
Dropping Gas Mileage
The engine problems that result from a blocked muffler may also cause the vehicle’s fuel efficiency to fall. You’ll probably notice that you’re traveling fewer miles for each full tank of gas, further hurting your wallet.
Excessively Rusted Muffler
As mufflers age, they almost always collect rust. This is because condensation inside the exhaust system generates a constant trickle of water that runs out through the muffler. If this rust becomes excessive, eating into the muffler’s metal frame, you’ll eventually need to replace the muffler.
Your Toyota Dealer Can Repair or Replace Your Car’s Muffler
Vehicle mufflers tend to last between five and seven years on average. Minor muffler damage such as cracks, holes, or surface rust, may all be reparable. However, once a muffler reaches a certain age and starts to malfunction, it usually needs to be replaced with a new one.
Have your car’s exhaust system inspected and repaired today by experienced technicians at Priority Toyota of Chesapeake. We’re a local full-service dealership offering excellent vehicles and customer service.
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