subject: Getting Muffler Repair Work For Your Vehicle [print this page] Muffler repair is a part of lifeMuffler repair is a part of life. When you have a vehicle that needs a repair in the exhaust system, your problem tends to be obvious to all. Your engine is loud, it may backfire, and people turn to glare at your car as you move down the street. But believe it or not, not every problem that requires muffler repair is obvious. Here are some causes of muffler failure and what you can do about it.
First, let's talk about what a muffler is and what it does. The exhaust system of a car has three main functions: 1) to remove hot and poisonous gases from the engine; 2) to reduce emissions from the engine; and 3) to muffle the engine's sound. It is in the last of these that the muffler is employed. The simplest type of muffler is an absorber muffler, which is basically a tube wrapped in sound-muffling materials. The most common type of automobile muffler in use is the reflector muffler, which places a resonating chamber on the exhaust pipe and causes what is known as destructive interference which puts the resonations from the engine against each other so they cancel each other out. Aside from noise, the muffler reduces rattling and stabilizes emissions so wear and tear on the engine is reduced and fuel efficiency is increased.
Modern engines use a computer to regulate all phases of internal combustion, from fuel delivery to oxygen additives to spark that causes the pistons to fire, to the use of the exhaust to remove the byproducts of the engine. The computer works supporting a closed system, so any breaches or holes can cause the system to malfunction and run at a lower efficiency. A small hole in the exhaust can throw off the oxygen ratios in the engine and cause a check engine light to appear. Other problems, such as a loose muffler holder or a clog can be indicated by noise or a dashboard light. Not all muffler problems will be physically obvious. Damage or wear on the inside of the resonating chamber may not be noticeable, but it can cause problems nonetheless.
If you start experiencing problems with your muffler or exhaust system, you'll want to take it to a qualified servicer for repair or replacement. Qualified shops have specialized equipment which will measure the emissions from your engine and use this to determine what problems you may have and where they might be in your engine. In the case of a breach in your exhaust, a patch may be welded onto your pipes or a new pipe might be welded into your system. In the event of muffler failure, the muffler itself will be replaced or, in some extreme cases of severe malfunction, a whole new exhaust system may be needed for your vehicle.
Muffler repair is common and aside from franchised muffler repair shops, most local servicers and dealerships also have the capability for exhaust system repair. Check the internet for repairmen in your area.
