Almost all cars nowadays have a muffler. It’s an essential part of an internal combustion engine where it reduces or eliminates the sound of engine exhaust. Some symptoms of a bad muffler indicate that it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Bad mufflers are a common cause of car problems. If you experience symptoms such as excessive noise, exhaust smoke, or poor fuel consumption, it’s time to take action. Let’s review the symptoms so you can spot them immediately:
What are the typical symptoms of a bad muffler?
The car’s muffler is mounted near the end of the exhaust pipe to soundproof the engine noise. It has a perforated core with metal baffles inside, which breaks down and traps sound waves to limit noise pollution.
How to tell if the muffler is bad? Well, pay attention to these bad muffler symptoms to catch the problem before it turns into something serious:
Excessive exhaust noise
One of the obvious signs of a bad muffler. It is a soundproofing device that suppresses exhaust noise, not increases it. If you notice the car starting to make a loud noise, it could be due to a faulty muffler.
This could be due to a clogged or corroded muffler or a cracked pipe. Check the muffler and exhaust system for any leaks, damage, or obstructions.
Poor fuel economy
If you notice your car isn’t getting the advertised MPG or seems to be burning gas at an increased rate, it could be due to issues with the exhaust system and not just bad driving habits (though they can certainly contribute).
If your car takes longer to reach its top speed and you’re spending more money than usual on gas, it’s time to take action. An engine losing performance is indicative of a bad muffler.
A strong gas smell
A toxic gas smell is one of the symptoms of a bad muffler. An excessive amount of fumes from the engine compartment could signal a leak in the muffler, cracks inside, a damaged catalytic converter, etc. This problem requires immediate attention as harmful gases can spread into the cabin and cause health issues.
Rattling noise under the car
What does a bad muffler sound like? A loud engine noise is quite common, but it could also be a rattling noise under the vehicle. If you hear this, look for a loose exhaust mount or a broken pipe. The rattling noise could also be the result of the exhaust pipe dragging on the ground.
A misfiring engine
A misfiring engine is among the telltale signs of muffler problems. If you notice your car’s RPMs are all over the place, it could be due to clogged catalytic converters or other issues with the exhaust system components. Misfires can occur for many reasons, and problems with the exhaust system are among them.