Silencer noise during acceleration: what is it?

Is your car making loud noises when accelerating? Do you feel like everyone is looking at you when you step on the gas? Whether it's chugging, hissing, or muffled sound, it's a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.

If your car is making noises that you're not used to, in most cases, one of the many parts of the engine and exhaust system is the culprit. Silencer is one of them.

If you're sure the muffler is the source of this unexpected sound, don't worry because we at Performance Muffler have the solution for you.

WHAT IS A MUFFLER?

I wonder what the muffler does? The muffler is located under the rear of your car and is mounted on your car's exhaust pipe. The muffler helps to minimize the amount of noise emitted by the engine. It also regulates your engine's back pressure and, in the long run, improves your engine's endurance and efficiency.

COMMON MUFFLER PROBLEMS

A good muffler is very important for your car. This will help you avoid additional damage to the engine and exhaust system. 

The following are some of the possible causes of muffler noise when accelerating:

• Free parts

A common cause of muffler noise is loose exhaust system components. Objects near your vehicle's exhaust pipe, such as tailpipes, exhaust system rubber mounts, or a loose exhaust pipe bracket, may accidentally come into contact with the muffler, causing a rattling sound in the muffler, especially when accelerating.

Similarly, if your car gets into a hole or if material is thrown from under the car, the muffler will most likely break. If this happens to your muffler, you may need to completely replace it with a new one.

• Rust

Mufflers rust over time due to moisture accumulating in the exhaust system. Moisture traps dirt or dust particles. These particles are thrown onto the underside of your vehicle as you drive down the road. Because the exhaust system doesn't get hot enough to burn water, it condenses and rusts.

SIGNS OF A PROBLEM WITH THE MUFFLER

Here are a few ways to tell if your muffler is broken:

• sudden noise

Noise is the most obvious sign of a bad muffler, so keep an eye out for any unusual noise. When your car sounds much louder than before, you probably have a damaged muffler.

• Reduced fuel consumption

If you have to fill up more frequently, this could indicate an issue with your exhaust system/muffler. A properly tuned engine exhaust system improves fuel efficiency and gas mileage.

Other ways you can use to determine if your muffler is broken include:

• Check the area for water.

Look for any signs of water dripping from the muffler. Expect some moisture. However, if water is dripping from multiple places onto the muffler, you may want to call a professional.

• unpleasant odors

The muffler draws exhaust gases away from your car; any problem with the muffler means exhaust fumes can enter your car. Exhaust fumes can be dangerous if allowed to build up, so if you notice any peculiar smell, get help right away.

WHAT TO DO

Luckily, you can change parts of the exhaust system without having to replace the entire muffler or exhaust system. A smart option would be to have your mechanic check your exhaust system as part of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance. This can save you hundreds of dollars.

If you notice unusual noises and odors or a change in gas mileage, always contact a professional. Our trained technicians at Performance Muffler know how to properly test your vehicle's exhaust system and what to look out for. We can identify problems at an early stage in order to avoid larger and more costly ones later.

GET A PRICE TODAY

If you need an exhaust system repair, contact a reliable car service. Luckily, we're the best in the business and Performance Mufflers is the place to go for exhaust system repairs in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us to request a quote today! We are happy to help.