The exhaust system on your car or truck can become loose over time, and if the muffler or other parts of the system begin to sag, damage can occur. If the exhaust on your car is getting louder than it should or is loose, taking the vehicle to a muffler repair shop for inspection and repair is often the best solution.

Exhaust System Inspections

If you suspect there is an issue with the exhaust system on your car or truck, check with the local muffler repair shop to see if they offer free system inspections. The shop will often go over the exhaust for you to determine if there is a problem and what repairs are needed. 

During the inspection, the tech will check the condition of the muffler, the exhaust pipes, the hangers that support the system, and any joints between sections to ensure they are not leaking. If the exhaust is the original factory system, the pipes and other components may be welded together, so if there is a problem or damage to an element, the muffler repair shop may need to cut the part out of the system to make repairs. 

Loud Exhaust

One of the most common signs that there is some damage to the exhaust system under your vehicle is a change in the system's volume. If the exhaust system starts to get louder as you drive the car, you may have a hole in a pipe or damage to the muffler that needs repair. 

While the noise may not be terribly loud coming from the system, if there is a hole or a leak, exhaust could escape and get into the vehicle's passenger compartment. The system is designed to be leak-free and carry the exhaust gases from the engine out the back of the car and away from passengers, but if it is not working correctly, the fumes coming into the vehicle can cause you and your passengers to get sick. 

If the exhaust system is held together with clamps, a loose clamp can allow exhaust to escape, but the repair is often only a matter of changing the clamps and pulling the system up tight under the vehicle. Noise can also come from loose connections or joints, but tightening them should resolve the problem. 

Damaged Parts

If parts of the exhaust system are damaged, the muffler repair shop can replace them for you. A muffler hanging low enough to impact speed bumps or other high points in the road surface can get dented and damaged enough to cause a leak. 

While the muffler appears to be tough, it is made from sheet metal, so under everyday use, it will stand up for a few years, but if it is dragging on the ground or hits a large rock or other objects, it can be torn open, and replacing it becomes necessary. 

If you need a muffler service, reach out to an auto shop, such as Muffler Man,