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If the muffler on your car ever malfunctions, you’re likely to be assaulted by much louder engine sounds and unpleasant exhaust odors, along with various other car problems. Let’s take a look at the most common warning signs of a bad car muffler. It’s advisable to have an Acura service right away to have a faulty muffler repaired. If repair isn’t possible, you might need to have a new muffler installed instead.
Unusually Loud Engine Roaring
As the name implies, the primary purpose of a muffler is to muffle the car’s engine sounds. This keeps our cities relatively quiet and free from excessive road noise pollution.
The first sign of a malfunctioning muffler is usually dramatically increased engine volume. As most states have strict laws regarding the maximum decibel levels that car engines are permitted to make, it’s wise to have a faulty muffler repaired or replaced without delay.
Foul-Smelling Exhaust Fumes
The catalytic converter does the lion’s share of converting noxious exhaust fumes into more benign gases. However, the muffler helps in this task, also filtering some of the fumes.
This means when a muffler breaks down, more toxic fumes will be escaping the exhaust than usual. As some of these fumes smell terrible, you’re likely to smell the difference from inside the cabin right away.
Excessive Build-Up of Rust
Over time, mufflers are remarkably susceptible to damage from rust. This is because the constant variations in temperature inside the exhaust system generate a great deal of condensation.
This water runs out through the exhaust pipes and usually drips from specially placed holes in the bottom of the muffler. So much moisture naturally starts to generate rust, which can eventually ruin the muffler.
Falling Fuel Efficiency
Faulty mufflers sometimes become clogged up, restricting the outflow of fumes from the engine. This creates a backup of gases, which can prevent sufficient fresh oxygen from entering the engine’s cylinders at the front of the vehicle. As a result, the engine will start to lose power and might even misfire and experience several other problems.
Rising Engine Temperature
One of the worst potential results of a clogged muffler is an overheating engine. This occurs as exhaust fumes become backed up, and the combustion process becomes interrupted, leading to a general build-up of heat. It’s never wise to drive for long if you suspect your engine is overheating.
Ask Your Acura Service If You Need a New Muffler
Mufflers can sometimes be repaired and granted a few more years of effective use, but often they’ll also need to be replaced. Ask a trusted technician at your local dealership to service your entire exhaust system and determine whether or not your muffler needs to go.
Have your vehicle’s muffler checked and repaired or replaced today at Ed Martin Acura. We’re an award-winning local dealership providing top-notch vehicles, deals, financing, and customer service.
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