With newer cars on the road, it might seem that their exhaust systems do not include a muffler, but they do. As long as cars have combustion engines, they will require some type of exhaust and muffler system. A muffler does much more than reduce the noise level coming from your vehicle’s engine. It plays a major role in your exhaust system by diffusing the toxic fumes away from the passenger cabin. Keeping this in mind, it's as important to keep up on regular maintenance for your muffler as for the rest of your car. Don’t be tempted to wait too long to get your muffler serviced so you can save a few dollars. A minor problem could easily turn into a much larger and more costly one.

Here are some of the most common and important warning signs that indicate it's time to have the exhaust system inspected:

  1. Louder than normal noises - The most obvious sign is a drastic increase in the loudness of your car's exhaust. When the muffler is working properly, your car should run relatively quiet. However, if something is wrong, the noise level will increase dramatically.
  2. Reduced Gas Mileage - Well-tuned exhaust systems always produce optimal fuel economy. If you notice that you're filling up your tank more often but your driving habits haven't changed, this could signal a muffler problem.
  3. Foul Odor - If you smell exhausted fumes inside your car's cabin, it could mean there's a leak in your exhaust system. When properly functioning, your muffler funnels these fumes outside and away from your car.  If they're going inside the car, they can be fatal over time. Have your car checked out ASAP.

When it comes to your muffler, don't overlook any possible issues. Waiting around can drastically increase your repair bill. Take your vehicle into your auto shop as soon as possible if you start to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Need to know more about what are the symptoms of a bad muffler? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about exhaust systems and mufflers and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NEWood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What are the symptoms of a bad muffler? The mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive will be happy to answer your questions about exhaust systems.

With newer cars on the road, it might seem that their exhaust systems do not include a muffler, but they do. As long as cars have combustion engines, they will require some type of exhaust and muffler system. A muffler does much more than reduce the noise level coming from your vehicle’s engine. It plays a major role in your exhaust system by diffusing the toxic fumes away from the passenger cabin. Keeping this in mind, it's as important to keep up on regular maintenance for your muffler as for the rest of your car. Don’t be tempted to wait too long to get your muffler serviced so you can save a few dollars. A minor problem could easily turn into a much larger and more costly one.

Here are some of the most common and important warning signs that indicate it's time to have the exhaust system inspected:

  1. Louder than normal noises - The most obvious sign is a drastic increase in the loudness of your car's exhaust. When the muffler is working properly, your car should run relatively quiet. However, if something is wrong, the noise level will increase dramatically.
  2. Reduced Gas Mileage - Well-tuned exhaust systems always produce optimal fuel economy. If you notice that you're filling up your tank more often but your driving habits haven't changed, this could signal a muffler problem.
  3. Foul Odor - If you smell exhausted fumes inside your car's cabin, it could mean there's a leak in your exhaust system. When properly functioning, your muffler funnels these fumes outside and away from your car.  If they're going inside the car, they can be fatal over time. Have your car checked out ASAP.

When it comes to your muffler, don't overlook any possible issues. Waiting around can drastically increase your repair bill. Take your vehicle into your auto shop as soon as possible if you start to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Need to know more about what are the symptoms of a bad muffler? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about exhaust systems and mufflers and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NEWood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Gary Starkey