Signs of A Problem With Your Exhaust
Depending on your car, the cost to make repairs to a damaged or broken muffler can range widely. But putting off an exhaust repair almost always costs more than addressing them promptly– like the car above, whose muffler is totally missing. Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for if you think your vehicle may need muffler or exhaust system repairs:
Rumblings and Vibrations
One of the primary jobs of your muffler is to keep the exhaust quiet. So one of the most obvious signs of an exhaust problem is a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from your car. If this happens, it’s time to get it to a mechanic right away. Continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other components of your vehicle’s engine.
Vibrations
If you notice a new vibration or loss of power when operating your car, have the exhaust system checked by a professional. While these vibrations tend to vibrate the whole car, you might notice the vibration more when you touch the steering wheel, foot pedals, or your seat. A hole, exhaust leak, or disconnected exhaust system component won’t just cause vibrations but also signal the engine is no longer running at optimum performance.
Filling-Up More Often
If you’re noticing that you have to fill up your gas tank more often than normal, you should have your exhaust system checked out by a muffler repair shop as soon as possible. Similar to the vibrations, increased fuel use is a sign something is wrong with your car. When the exhaust leaks, your engine works harder. When your engine works harder, it requires more fuel.
At V&F
Your exhaust system does more than just keep your car quiet – it also reroutes exhaust fumes away from the cabin, helps your engine run properly, and maintains optimum fuel efficiency– so it’s important to take care of exhaust issues in a timely manner. At V&F, our expert mechanics use latest diagnostic equipment, and high-quality CARQUEST auto parts, to make sure we get the job done right. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.