Has your muffler suddenly become so loud and you are wondering what could be the problem? If yes then you have come to the right place.
There are multiple reasons that could cause your muffler to suddenly become so loud. In this article, we will tell you why your muffler is so loud. Make sure you read until the end so that you don’t miss any point.
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Why is my muffler so loud?
One of the top reasons why your muffler is suddenly loud is that the muffler is broken because of hitting something while on the road. Rust and lose parts can also be culprits for a noisy muffler.
The exhaust system in newer cars may last for over 100,000 miles without causing any problem. So, if your car is new and the muffler has suddenly become so loud, then chances are that you hit something while driving that damaged the muffler.
However, if your car has surpassed 100,000 miles, then other reasons such as rust or lose parts could damage the muffler, making it noisy.
Why is my muffler so loud when I accelerate?
The following are possible culprits if your muffler becomes so loud when you accelerate.
Loose exhaust system components
One of the top reasons why your muffler becomes too loud when you accelerate is because crucial components in the exhaust system are loose.
The exhaust system is made up of crucial components, including the exhaust pipe, exhaust rubber hanger, exhaust connectors, and exhaust bracket.
If any of these components become loose and come into contact with the muffler, it could cause rattling noise, especially when you step on the gas. Also, if your vehicle hits a hole, the muffler is likely to break causing it to be loud when you accelerate.
Rust
Just like other components made of metal, mufflers tend to rust over time because of exposure to moisture. Rust may cause small holes to form which increase in size gradually. So, if your muffler gets louder over time, then the culprit could be rust.
How do you fix a noisy muffler?
If your muffler is noisy, chances are that some parts are damaged and need to be fixed. There are multiple ways to fix a noisy muffler as discussed below.
Change the damaged part
If your muffler is noisy, you don’t have to replace the entire device, instead, you should find the section that is causing the muffler to be noisy and change or repair it.
For instance, if the noise is caused by rust that has damaged a section of the muffler, you should fix that particular section instead of replacing the muffler.
Replace the muffler
If the muffler is damaged beyond repair, then the best action to take is to replace the entire muffler. Although it will cost you more money, this move will benefit you in the long run because you will not have to visit your mechanic frequently for repair.
Is it okay to drive with a noisy muffler?
No, it is not okay to drive around with a noisy muffler, and below are reasons why.
It is illegal
Driving around with a noisy muffler is illegal and could land you in trouble. A broken muffler usually produces a very loud noise that is beyond what is accepted.
As a result, you are more likely to be pulled over by traffic police and get a ticket for causing noise pollution. To avoid this, you should fix your noisy muffler as soon as possible.
Toxic fumes could leak into your car ventilation system
Another reason why you should not drive with a noisy muffler is that toxic fumes may leak into your car’s ventilation system causing health hazards to you and other passengers.
Most noisy mufflers are usually damaged and could leak toxic exhaust fumes into your car ventilation system. Additionally, the carbon monoxide that spews off the exhaust may rise and enter your car.
It reduces your car’s fuel economy
A noisy muffler may reduce the fuel economy of your car, meaning you are likely to spend more on fuel. When your muffler is noisy, then that is an indication that a section of it is broken.
A broken part on the muffler may prevent your car from getting rid of exhaust fumes and this will negatively affect the engine performance. As a result, your car will produce higher emissions and consume more fuel.
What happens if your muffler is clogged?
If your muffler is clogged, it can cause excessive back pressure that causes the exhaust gasses to be pushed back into the engine thus choking the engine.
This may result in high engine temperature and eventually loss of power. If you suspect that your muffler is broken, you should have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine.
What do muffler problems sound like?
If you keep hearing rattling noise under your car, then that is a clear indication that your car has muffler problems. Rattling noise is an indication that your muffler has loose components, including a loose heat shield or loose exhaust bracket.
If you keep hearing the rattling noise under your car, you should take it to a trusted mechanic for inspection before things get worse.
How do I know if a loud exhaust needs replacing?
Below are signs that indicate your loud exhaust needs replacing.
Decrease fuel efficiency
If your car’s fuel efficiency decreases drastically, then that is a clear sign that the loud muffler is affecting the engine performance, and thus needs to be replaced.
Very loud noise
If very loud roaring noises are coming from the muffler, then it means that the muffler has a big hole or is damaged beyond repair. A muffler that is damaged beyond repair usually produces loud roaring noise that causes noise pollution.
Other signs that your loud exhaust muffler needs to be replaced include emission of bad fumes and experiencing constant engine problems.
Final thoughts
If your muffler is loud, then that is a clear indication that something is not right. You should take it to a trusted mechanic for inspection and repair.
If you don’t fix your loud muffler on time, you will cause noise pollution that could land you in trouble. It could also reduce your engine performance and reduce fuel efficiency.
More so, toxic exhaust fumes from a damaged muffler could find their way into your car, thus putting your health and other passengers at risk.
