When to get a muffler repair on a new car?
Mufflers are typically covered under new vehicle warranties, and may be covered up to 50,000-60,000 miles or more, so if the car is relatively new, check before getting any work done. Most do-it-yourselfers can do a few basic muffler repairs [2] , but muffler replacement requires stronger mechanical skills.
Is it worth it to repair exhaust system?
Making repairs to your vehicle’s exhaust system can sometimes be rather expensive depending on its make, model, and general condition. With that said, delaying needed repair work is not advised and can cause the price of that repair work to rise sharply. This is certainly true of muffler issues.
How much does a muffler cost?
A how-to video demonstrates what is involved. An after-market muffler can cost $30-$200 or more, depending on the make and model of vehicle. A CostHelper reader in California reports paying $46 for a do-it-yourself muffler installation.
Is there a warranty on a car muffler?
A muffler can come with either a limited or a lifetime warranty, but typically this only covers the muffler itself and not the attached pipes — which usually wear out before the muffler. In some cases, the muffler may be a “dealer item” only, meaning the repair shop will need to order the part from a dealership.
Is it easy to replace just the muffler?
Often if the muffler has rusted it most likely will make its way up the exhaust pipe. Replacing just the muffler can be a difficult task. If you have an older car, the muffler could be welded into the exhaust system. This means it is a lot easier to just replace the entire exhaust system.
How often should you replace your exhaust system?
CARS.COM — A few decades ago, most car owners could count on having to replace at least part of their exhaust system every five years or sooner. Muffler shops seemed to be doing brisk business on every busy street. Today, though, most modern vehicles have stainless-steel or aluminized-steel exhaust systems that seem to last a lifetime.
What happens if you have a hole in your muffler?
Inside the muffler is a series of chambers that helps to reduce the vibrations coming through the exhaust which is commonly associated with sound. When the muffler is damaged or has a hole in it, this causes the pre-muffled exhaust to leak, increasing the sound that comes out of the exhaust system.
When do you know your car muffler is bad?
Over time and countless warm up/cool down cycles, the exhaust pipe and the seams of your muffler rust out and start to leak exhaust gases and noise. When you notice excessive condensation coming from the exhaust pipe, especially in mid-day or warmer periods of the day, this may be a signal that the muffler is starting to wear out .