Have you ever wondered what it might look like, and sound like, if your muffler is having issues? These tips from 2000 Auto can help you to understand what your exhaust system does and what to watch for in terms of problems with your car’s muffler.
Smelly Exhaust
Your car’s muffler is part of the exhaust system, and it might be letting through some stinkier fumes than usual. If you’re noticing that your exhaust seems to be smelling worse, that’s definitely something you need to have inspected. That’s even more true if you’re smelling exhaust fumes inside the passenger compartment of your car.
Increased Exhaust
Are you seeing more exhaust fumes than usual? That could also be part of the muffler issue, because of how the exhaust system works together. Normally you shouldn’t see a lot of actual exhaust smoke. If what you’re noticing is not just an increase in exhaust smoke but also a change in color, that’s a big sign of trouble.
Engine Noise
One of the signs that is guaranteed to make you think about your muffler is if you’re hearing much more engine noise. The muffler’s main job is to decrease that engine noise so that car engines are less obnoxious for the general public. A failing muffler can’t keep up with that job at all and it means that you’re going to have to do something to address the issue.
Decrease in Gas Mileage
Your car’s exhaust system works a lot more closely with the engine and is more connected with engine performance than most people realize. What happens is that the exhaust system clears out the fumes from combustion to ensure that another round is ready to go. When parts of the exhaust system, even the muffler, aren’t doing their job, it affects how well the overall exhaust system supports the engine. Engine performance can quickly decline, and when it does, you are most likely to see the results as a decrease in fuel mileage. You’ll be buying gas a lot more often and not getting much bang for your buck.
Don’t play around with your car’s muffler or exhaust system. Call 2000 Auto in Melbourne, FL today to set up an appointment for us to inspect your car’s muffler. We’ll let you know what’s causing the problem and give you a plan for correcting the problem so that you’re back on the road quickly and safely.