How Do You Know If Your Exhaust System Is Bad?

If you’re starting to worry about the muffler on your vehicle, you may also be wondering how do you know if your exhaust system is bad.  Is your vehicle losing power even when accelerating?  Does your muffler sound like a roaring lion?  There could be other indicators of a failing exhaust system, such as the “check engine” light starting to flash while driving down the road.  These are all signs that could indicate a leak is developing in your car’s muffler and exhaust system.

How do you know if your exhaust system is bad?  Here are five common, and obvious, indicators of issues in the exhaust system:

1. What do you hear?  Listen to your vehicle.  Thumping, clunking, or rattling noises are signs of a damaged muffler or a leaking exhaust.
2. What do you see?  Take a look at the muffler.  This should be done by an expert mechanic as it could require putting your car on a lift to look for holes and rust on the muffler. 
3. What is the temperature of your car?  High engine temperatures and loss of power is often caused by damage to the muffler or other parts of the exhaust system. 
4. How often do you fill the tank?  Exhaust leakages affect the oxygen sensors in the engine so that the amount of exhaust actually in the system is not measured correctly, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
5. What do you smell?  A leaky exhaust system allows toxic fumes and gasses to enter the car, creating a risky situation. 

Looking for quality muffler repair? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how do you know if your exhaust system is bad and to request an appointment. our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Often Do You Need To Replace A Muffler?

The muffler is an integral part of the exhaust system that minimizes the noise produced during the exhaust process. The muffler also directs the exhaust out of the vehicle. This means a defective muffler doesn’t only make a lot of noise, it also causes very real issues for the driver and the passengers in the vehicle. So be sure to have your exhaust system checked by your auto mechanic periodically to ensure it is working properly.

Making repairs to the exhaust system can sometimes be rather expensive depending on the make, model, and general condition of your vehicle, neglecting a needed repair is not advised. Not only can the cost of that repair work increase, but it could also develop into more serious problems for the people in the vehicle.

But how often do you need to replace a muffler?  Just remember that mufflers are like most other auto parts—they wear out over time.  So be alert to some of the signs of a muffler that is not functioning correctly: 

• Listen up! The biggest and most noticeable sign of a bad muffler is the noise. When your muffler fails, the car will suddenly seem a lot louder than it did before. Be especially vigilant for any strange or sudden rattling noise, which could be the sound of a muffler that’s become loose.
• Look at it! Ask your auto mechanic to raise the vehicle and visually check the muffler. Any major problems, such as holes, are generally easily noticeable.  Also, inspect for any signs of water dripping from it. A bit of condensation is usual, but water leaking from some places on the muffler is definitely trouble.
• Check the temperature.  Turn on the motor and let it run for a few minutes.  If the temperature rises abnormally high, it can cause the vehicle to overheat.

Are you wondering how often do you need to replace a muffler?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about maintenance of the exhaust system and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.