If you’re experiencing unusual noises or smells coming from your vehicle’s exhaust system, it’s essential to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible. A damaged or malfunctioning exhaust system can not only affect the performance of your vehicle but also pose a significant safety risk to you and your passengers.
At Superior Tire & Auto, we offer a comprehensive range of exhaust repair services to ensure your vehicle’s exhaust system is working efficiently and safely. Our experienced technicians are equipped with the latest tools and technology to diagnose and fix any issues quickly and effectively.
What is a Muffler System?
It’s right there in the name. Mufflers are in charge of muffling the sound produced by a vehicle’s engine. Engines must produce a lot of power, resulting in a slew of pulsating sounds reverberating through the exhaust valves.
Every minute, thousands of these pulses are produced. Your vehicle will be extremely noisy if it does not have a properly functioning muffler. Excessive noise is a good indicator that you need a new muffler.
In simple words, the exhaust system in your vehicle is a complex network of pipes and devices that perform four critical functions. When driving, the muffler reduces the exhaust noise to a preset level. It uses deadening chambers to complete this process. It also collects gases from the engine, removing harmful toxins from those gases, and discharges the gases away from the car’s occupants.
Knowing how your exhaust system works can help you identify problems and determine when to take your car to a mechanic.
Important Components of an Exhaust System
A typical exhaust system comprises several nodes linked by metal tubes. These are the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipes:
Exhaust Manifold
This is where the entire system begins, also known as the exhaust header. The manifold connects to the vehicle’s engine and collects the gases produced by gasoline combustion in the cylinders. The manifold is made up of a series of pipes that are flanged to the engine’s exhaust ports.
Catalytic Converter
The waste gases from the engine are routed through a series of pipes from the manifold to the catalytic converter. Poisonous substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons are present in the gases.
Metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum are stored in the catalytic converter. When the gases pass over these metals, a chemical reaction removes up to 90% of the toxins.
Muffler
The scrubbed gases are then routed through a pipe to the muffler, an oval or cylinder-shaped chamber designed to reduce engine noise. A series of tubes inside the muffler is designed to reflect sound waves as they pass through.
Tailpipes
After the gases have been cleaned and the noise reduced, the remaining air flows through the tailpipe to the vehicle’s rear, where it’s discharged into the atmosphere.
Different Types of Exhaust Systems
- Single Exit Pipe
The single-exit exhaust system is the most common type of exhaust system. They are usually found on new cars and trucks purchased from a dealer. They are not the most efficient pipes but the least expensive to manufacture and install. The pipe’s exit will always be on the vehicle’s passenger side.
- Dual Rear Exit
The dual rear exit exhaust system is typically found on sportier cars or added to make a vehicle appear sportier. It adds a deeper note to the exhaust, making the engine sound more powerful.
This system employs two exhaust pipes on opposite sides of the vehicle. Unlike other vehicles’ exhaust systems, the pipes do not bend around the wheels.
- Opposite Dual Exhaust
Whereas dual rear exhaust systems do not bend, opposite dual exhaust systems work differently. They wrap around the wheel, adding to the filtering process. They’ll be more common on vehicles that tow large loads, such as boats or trailers.
- Dual Side Exhaust
Two pipes are located next to each other on one side of a dual-side exhaust system. Gases are expelled more proficiently through two pipes than a single exit pipe. They appear and sound like high-performance systems and provide some performance boost.
- High-Performance
High-performance exhaust systems are more expensive but filter out gases more efficiently. They are, however, not standard and must be installed aftermarket on the vehicle. A high-performance exhaust system can sometimes improve a car’s efficiency and engine performance.
Is it OK to Drive With a Broken Muffler?
It is not recommended to drive with a broken muffler as it can cause several issues such as excessive noise, emission of harmful gases, and potential damage to other components of the vehicle. Whether your exhaust is cracked, partially hanging off, or has completely fallen off, it is an important part of your vehicle that requires immediate attention. It is best to have the muffler repaired or replaced as soon as possible for safety and environmental reasons.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Your Muffler?
A muffler repair can be one of the more expensive vehicle repairs. The cost of repairing a muffler can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle. At Superior Tire & Auto, we offer competitive pricing for all of our exhaust repair services, and our team can provide you with a detailed estimate based on your specific needs and requirements.
Bring Your Vehicle to Superior Tire & Auto for a Muffler Replacement
Superior Tire & Auto has ten locations to keep your vehicle running smoothly. We have a massive selection of brand-name and private-label tires, all backed by our Superior Price Guarantee. Do you require automotive service?
We provide complete, warranty-approved vehicle maintenance and repair to keep you safe on the road. Don’t forget to check out our current specials and coupons to save even more money. Visit a store near you today to get the Superior Service you appreciate!