A bad muffler is more than a nuisance, it’s also a health hazard and against the law. When you’re searching for quality muffler repair near me, choose Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Signs You May Need A New Muffler

Usually, it’s quite obvious you need a new muffler. Your car will make a harsh, deafening sound. Furthermore, your engine may misfire and you’ll experience reduced fuel efficiency. However, driving with a noisy automobile is more than just an annoyance. It’s a non-moving violation that can get you a ticket with a fine. NC law requires car owners to keep their automobiles in good working order and maintain their cars. Likewise, if you have a bad muffler, you may fail your NC inspection.

Additionally, a malfunctioning muffler can be a health hazard. Typically, exhaust fumes have a musty, smoky odor. If you notice this smell in your cabin, you’re probably breathing in harmful toxins:

• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen oxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Hydrocarbons
• Benzene
• Particulate matter

Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to these byproducts can make you sick. Subjecting yourself to exhaust fumes may lead to heart palpitations, headaches, asthma, stroke, heart attacks, and leukemia.

Furthermore, breathing in carbon monoxide can lead to death. You should never drive a vehicle if you smell exhaust fumes in the cabin. Pull over as soon as possible and call a tow truck.

Causes Of Muffler Failure

As part of your exhaust system, your muffler is located underneath the back of your car. Unfortunately, its proximity to the ground exposes it to damage. Usually, there are 2 causes of muffler failure:

1. Poor Road Conditions

Sometimes, severe storms can deposit tree branches and rocks on the road. Other times, debris can fall off trucks and cars. If you drive over them, they can bounce up damaging parts of your undercarriage. Moreover, driving over gravel roads and potholes, can also harm your muffler and other exhaust parts.

2. Rust

Car part manufacturers choose a particular metal based on cost, warranty, and legal requirements. For mufflers, manufacturers generally use steel. However, steel is subject to rusting. A more durable option is stainless steel. Although it has corrosion-resistant features, stainless steel will rust under certain circumstances.

Rusting occurs when oxygen, water, and iron react to create iron oxide. This new compound doesn’t bond to the iron underneath but flakes off as corrosion. Anytime you run over road debris, your muffler can suffer abrasion thereby scraping off its protective coating.

Additionally, chemicals used to make driving safer in wintry conditions also contribute to rusting. Towns apply de-icing chemicals to roadways to prevent icy conditions. The common de-icing chemicals include sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride. All of these compounds are salts and highly corrosive.

Other Metal Exhaust Parts Subject To Rusting

Generally, your muffler is just one part of your exhaust system subject to damage from rusting and road damage. Automakers also locate the catalytic converter and exhaust pipes underneath your vehicle. Additionally, manufacturers may use metal gaskets to seal system joints. All these metal components are subject to rusting.

However, you can prevent corrosion from these chemicals by washing them away. Each and every time you drive over chemically treated roads, you need to clean your undercarriage. Yet, who wants to wash their car in the dead of winter? Xpress Lube can help with its modern car washing facility!

We offer different levels of service and our one-time washes start at only $8. Of course, we use premium products like Armor-All®, Rain•X®, Black Magic®, and Luminaura®. Our car wash gently removes all the dirt, de-icing chemicals, and contaminants your car accumulates to help prevent corrosion.

Additional Components That Can Fail

Your car has a few other exhaust parts that aren’t subject to rusting, but can fail:

• Oxygen sensors
• Exhaust manifold
• Hangers/clamps/bolts

To keep your car running cleanly and efficiently, sensors measure the amount of unburned oxygen in your exhaust. Over time, this part becomes coated with byproducts from the combustion process. Once this happens, your check engine light will illuminate.

Another part of your exhaust system is the exhaust manifold. Located in the engine, this part draws exhaust gas from the cylinders channeling them through the system. Although built to last a lifetime, the exhaust manifold experiences extreme temperature changes which can lead to cracks.

Finally, automakers connect the exhaust parts to the chassis with hangers, clamps, or bolts. These parts can also become damaged from road debris or rust and corrosion. When they fail, parts of your exhaust system can fall off your car.

Muffler Repair Near Me – FAQs

Our team is always happy to answer any questions you have about muffler repair near me. Below, we address a few common matters related to exhaust systems.

How Long Will It Take To Replace My Muffler?

Typically, it takes from 30 to 60 minutes to replace a muffler. However, it may take longer if you need additional repairs to other parts of your exhaust system.

What Does It Cost To Replace My Muffler?

Like many automotive repairs, the cost depends on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Moreover, the amount of damage to your exhaust system also matters. For example, is your tailpipe rusted and also needs replacing?

When you visit Xpress Lube, we give you an upfront estimate before we begin working on your vehicle. Of course, you’re free to take your car elsewhere, but we think you’ll love our fast, friendly, and quality service.

Who Handles Muffler Repair Near Me?

Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has an experienced team of technicians to handle all your automotive needs including mufflers. For over 25 years, we’ve been serving the local community with high-quality automotive maintenance and repair work.

To make an appointment, call us at 336-993-7697 or use our online form.