Your vehicle’s exhaust system is composed of an exhaust manifold, heat riser, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, resonator, and tail pipe.

When it’s running, your engine produces toxic fumes. The exhaust manifold moves those fumes through the exhaust pipes and into the catalytic converter, which transforms the toxic gases into carbon dioxide and water. From there, the gases enter the muffler. The muffler “muffles” your engine noise, and also helps expel those gases into the air through the resonator and tail pipe.

If your muffler is bad, people may be able to hear you coming from blocks away, and your MPG can drop dramatically, in some cases by 50%. Additionally, if your exhaust system develops a leak, the toxic gases produced by your vehicle’s engine, can enter the passenger area of your vehicle.

Rust is usually the culprit when it comes to muffler failure or exhaust system leaks, but small holes and other seemingly insignificant damage can result from normal driving conditions.

If your vehicle sounds louder than normal when it’s running or if you noticed a peculiar smell in your vehicle while you’re driving, bring it to your local Tuffy shop immediately. Our ASE certified technicians will check it out at no charge. If there’s a problem with your muffler or your exhaust system, we’ll recommend a solution and discuss your options with you before we begin any repairs.