If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
When To Take Your Car In For Exhaust Repairs
Every car, truck, and SUV on the road must have a muffler installed on the exhaust system to control the level of noise coming out of the tailpipe. Taking your vehicle in for muffler repair is essential because a leaking exhaust system can not only be noisy but can allow exhaust gases to get into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Muffler Damage
The muffler on your car will eventually need replacing because water condensates in the exhaust system, and over time the muffler will rust from the inside out. When you start to hear a loud rumbling under your car, it is likely time to take the vehicle in for muffler repair or to at least have the system inspected for damage.
The sound will often start as a low rumble that is just a little louder than normal, but over time, as a hole develops in the muffler, the noise will continue to grow. If you suspect there is a hole forming in the muffler or exhaust system, take your vehicle to a garage that does exhaust work or to a muffler repair shop so they can inspect it for you.
External Muffler Damage
There are times when the muffler on your car gets damaged due to an impact to the outside of the case. A rock bouncing up off the road could be enough to puncture the muffler's case if it hits it hard enough. While this kind of damage is not common, it is possible and will require you to take the car in for muffler repair.
Other instances of external damage can result from a low-hanging exhaust system that hits a speed bump or something in the road. Some cars sit low enough that a parking lot curb or a speed bump can cause the vehicle to drag the muffler over them. While the damage often consists of your muffler getting pulled loose from the exhaust pipe, it is best to have a muffler repair shop check the system and make sure everything is tight when they put the muffler back in place.
Loose Exhaust Systems
In some cases, the noise is not the first problem you notice with your exhaust system. If there is a leak somewhere in the system or a loose joint allowing exhaust gases to escape, you may smell exhaust coming into the car. If you notice exhaust in the car, take the car directly to a muffler repair shop and have them go over the entire exhaust system.
A leak in the exhaust can allow carbon monoxide to get into the car, and breathing carbon monoxide can be deadly over time. Any odor of exhaust needs to be checked, and the leak stopped immediately. For more information about muffler repair, contact a local auto shop.