Most new mufflers can set you back anywhere from $100 to $500.
But avoiding a new muffler when you need one? That can end up costing you thousands. If you are in a need of a new muffler, you should go ahead and get it!
Knowing if you need a new muffler or not can be difficult though. And if you aren’t sure, you might accidentally ignore a problem until it becomes a big one.
Lucky for you, this article is going to tell you how you can know if you need muffler replacement. Let’s hope you don’t, but you’ll at least know by the end of this article.
Read on to learn more!
1. Lots of Gas
Gas prices are rising lately, and if you feel like you’re spending more than usual, you’re not crazy. But if you’re spending more time at the pump than ever before, you could have a problem on your hands.
A muffler should help you get good gas mileage, but if you’re going too often, you might want to take a look.
Of course, bad MPG could be a number of things. However, if you’re already worried about your muffler, this could be a good diagnosis.
Keep in mind that, as a car ages, you should see worsening MPGs. A bad muffler will cause a serious drop, not just a few miles.
2. Loud Sounds
Chances are that you know what your car sounds like when it’s in good shape. But if it starts to make an odd noise, there’s a good chance it could be the muffler!
This is one of the most obvious signs that you’re having a muffler problem. You’ll hear quite a bit of loud noise if your muffler is failing.
If you hear rattling, take a look at your muffler. It could be broken or damaged, and the whole muffler might fall off if you don’t check soon.
This isn’t the worst possible option, as it can be fixed. Plus, it should be quite evident, so you’ll be able to fix it in no time.
3. Funky Smells
If you’re driving around and start to notice a bad smell, you should get to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Why?
Those funky smells could be evidence that your exhaust system isn’t working. If the exhaust can’t escape while you’re driving, it will get stuck in your car. This is why you can smell it.
This is much more dangerous than it sounds, and it can, in fact, cause a fatal injury if you don’t get it fixed. Those exhaust fumes are toxic.
Is Muffler Replacement in Your Future?
After reading this article, you should know whether you need muffler replacement or not. Keep in mind that it isn’t an impossible task, but you should get it done as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many mechanics won’t charge you just for looking at an issue.
Want more help looking at your car or think you have an issue you can handle? Check out our auto service repair manual for more help.
