The main role of a car muffler is to muffle sounds from the engine so that your vehicle isn’t overly loud. The muffler is also responsible for directing exhaust fumes, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide outside the vehicle so that passengers are safe. If you notice issues with your muffler, you need to visit your Chevy dealership quickly for the safety of yourself and your passengers.
There are three signs that your muffler needs to be replaced: poor fuel economy, excessive noise, and noticeable exhaust fumes. If your gas mileage is poor, this could be because your muffler isn’t working correctly. If the cabin of your vehicle is filled with the scent of exhaust gases, then your muffler has an issue that is allowing harmful fumes to enter the passenger area of the car.
Excessive noise generally refers to a very loud or rumbling engine. If your vehicle is so loud that you need to turn up the radio or raise your voice to be heard by other passengers, it’s likely that your muffler is incorrectly aligned or has another issue. Your muffler may also rattle or drag on the ground.
How Long Does a Car Muffler Last?
You can usually expect your Chevy muffler to last for two to three years, which is around 40,000 to 80,000 miles for most drivers. However, your driving habits can have an impact on this estimate. If you frequently take your Chevy off-road and the undercarriage is scraped up, your muffler may need to be repaired sooner rather than later. Your muffler may also be damaged by snow, mud, and other wet road environments.
How Long Does Muffler Repair at Your Chevy Dealership Take?
When you take your car to the dealership for muffler repair, a Chevy mechanic will examine the condition of your muffler and the rest of your exhaust system. Replacing a muffler may only take half an hour to an hour, while patching holes in the muffler or the exhaust pipe can take another hour. It’s common for our mechanics to also replace the mid-pipe of your exhaust system if your muffler is replaced, so your repair might take two hours.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Broken Muffler?
Just like you shouldn’t drive your vehicle when it’s overheating, it’s also not a good idea to drive your car when you have muffler issues. Driving with a faulty exhaust system can expose you to dangerous fumes that can cause drowsiness and nausea, which isn’t safe for drivers or passengers. If you have muffler issues, you should drive with the windows down until you can have your vehicle repaired.
The muffler is a crucial component of your exhaust system. Whether your muffler needs to be patched or replaced, you should always schedule service at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith promptly.
Connect with us
