When you think of the important parts of your vehicle, you probably think of things like your engine and your brakes. In fact, the very last thing to cross your mind is probably your muffler. With that said, however, your muffler is an important part of your vehicle.
Thus, when it sends out warning signs that it is not functioning properly and that it may need repairs or replacements, it is important that you heed them. Of course, you can't heed those warning signs if you don't know what they are, which is why it is imperative to be aware of and on the lookout for the warning signs of muffler trouble.
Strange Sounds
To start off with, one of the first indicators that something is wrong with your muffler is often when you start to notice odd sounds coming from your vehicle.
Typically, when the muffler is acting up, you will hear rumbling sounds that are often described as "guttural" or "growling" in nature. Such noises, of course, could be due to other, less serious problems, but the only way to tell for sure is to get your car to a mechanic right away, which you absolutely should do regardless of if it turns out to be a muffler problem or not.
Fewer Miles to the Gallon
Another major indicator that something is not quite right with your muffler is if you suddenly notice that you are getting fewer miles to the gallon.
This costly problem can be due to a variety of muffler-related reasons, including clogs, tire issues, problematic spark plugs, and more. The muffler affects all of these areas, so any of these signs could indicate a major problem that you will need to take care of via a professional mechanic right away.
Bad Vibrations
Just about everyone knows the classic song "Good Vibrations," but the fact of the matter is that, when it comes to your muffler, no vibrations are good! Thus, if you are experiencing a vibrating steering wheel, gas pedal or, really, a vibrating anything, you have probably got a muffler leak or other problem on your hands.
If the issue is, indeed, a leak, then the vibrations will only get worse as you allow the leak to remain, which is all the more reason to get professional auto help the very second that you notice an issue.
Stinky Smells
When your car smells bad out of nowhere, this typically means that something is up.
More often than not, strange smells mean that your muffler is going bad and therefore emitting more carbon monoxide than it should. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but breathing in the gas that it represents can also be dangerous, especially if you and your vehicle find yourselves in a confined space.
Don't take chances with the health of your vehicle or, even more importantly, with your own health and the health and wellbeing of those you love. Investigate "smelly" problems via a professional right away.
As you can see, your muffler will typically let you know when there is some kind of issue going on with your vehicle and its exhaust system. It is up to you, however, to be aware of the warning signs of a muffler problem and to react to them quickly. Not doing so could impede your safe and your vehicle's long-term wellbeing.
For superior muffler help and diagnostics, also remember that you can always turn to
Dualtone Muffler Brake & Alignment, which specializes in these types of issues and which would be more than happy to assist you in getting your vehicle "road healthy" once again.
