As part of your vehicle’s exhaust system, its main purpose is to minimize how much noise the exhaust creates. If you’re on the road and hear an incredibly loud vehicle drive past you, chances are they need a new muffler. To help you keep your vehicle in the best condition, here are a few signs to look out for in case you have a bad muffler.

Loud Noises

The biggest sign that there’s something wrong with your muffler is the sound it makes. If your car is constantly roaring down the street no matter how fast or slow you’re going, make a note of it before talking to a professional. This isn’t a sign you can easily ignore due to the sheer volume of the sound.

Check for Water

If you suspect there’s an issue with your muffler, do a routine inspection. Do you see any signs of water dripping? While condensation isn’t anything to worry about, spotting water leaks coming from several different places is definitely an issue.

Rust or Leakage

While completing your visual inspection, you should also be on the lookout for other potential issues. Depending on your vehicle’s height, you’ll probably need to jack it up to get a proper view. Once you’ve got your eyes on the muffler, look for any signs of damage, rust or leakage. Wear and tear are normal, but if you see anything out of the ordinary, have a professional assess it.

Higher Car Temperatures

Is your car running hotter than usual, particularly if it’s only been on for a short time? If so, then this is a sign of overheating that may have to do with your muffler. As this is an issue that can negatively impact the other components connected, you need to get it checked out as soon as possible to protect the rest of your vehicle.

Strange Smell

Something you shouldn’t be able to smell while driving or sitting idling at a red light is exhaust fumes from your vehicle. This means that there’s a hole somewhere in the muffler or a leak within the exhaust system itself. As your car produces carbon monoxide, this can be incredibly dangerous, especially in a sealed space. It can quickly turn poisonous and be fatal, so if you smell exhaust fumes in your car, take it to a mechanic immediately.

Inefficient Gas Mileage

A failing exhaust system and muffler can have serious negative effects when it comes to the efficiency of your vehicle. If you find that you’re getting gas more often than usual, this is likely a sign that your car is burning through fuel too quickly. It’s best that you get a professional to look at your muffler sooner rather than later.

At Cars R Us, we’ve been providing customers with high-quality car repair services for over 30 years. Located in Brampton, Ontario, our automotive repair services include major and minor maintenance updates, electronic tune-ups, oil changes, brake service and more. Give us a call to book your appointment.