Does That Muffler Have a Hole in It? 4 Warning Signs Those With Car Mechanics Training Should Know

A hole in a car’s muffler often results from corrosion, and can negatively impact the performance of this important car component. When a muffler isn’t in good working condition, the noise of the car exhaust system is no longer efficiently suppressed. A hole in a car’s muffler can also prevent the engine from allowing exhaust gases to be released.
Due to the problems that muffler holes can cause, any sign of these should be addressed by a professional to make sure the muffler can be repaired or replaced quickly. With that in mind, here are four signs to pay attention to that can signify a car might have this problem.

1. If Loud Noises Are Coming From the Exhaust System, Watch Out

If an excruciating noise is suddenly coming from the exhaust system, this is often a major sign that a hole may be present in the muffler. A significant factor behind these noises is that the muffler hole does not get rid of vibrations happening within the exhaust system. When these noises can be heard, this indicates that there is a hole preventing the volume of these noises from being reduced. Drivers are at risk of being pulled over by police if the condition of their muffler does not meet legal criteria. The longer the muffler goes without the hole being fixed, the bigger the hole will get, and the louder the noises will become.

2. The Release of Fumes Is a Dangerous Sign for Drivers and the Planet

Any risk of emissions from the vehicle should be examined by a professional who has done their car mechanics training, since they are tasked with diagnosing any vehicular issue. This can cause gases like carbon monoxide to be exposed to whoever is in the vehicle. In these situations, noxious gases will be released into the cabin due to the hole in the muffler, which can endanger the health of the driver and their passengers. The emission of fumes can also have a significant environmental impact, so any muffler hole must be addressed to prevent further pollution in the atmosphere. Drivers must keep their windows rolled down at all times until this problem is fixed.

3. Lacklustre Performance Is Something Auto Mechanic School Students Should Pay Attention to

The presence of a hole in the muffler can also lead to hindered performance while driving. When a hole is present, the car will not accelerate as fast as it normally would, and the engine can misfire. Although other engine problems can lead to misfiring, a muffler hole is one scenario in particular where this can happen. To properly diagnose the cause of this issue, the car owner should have a pro examine the muffler for any holes, as these may well be the culprit behind the engine misfiring or performing poorly.

4. Lastly, Beware of Rust Holes Appearing Anywhere in the Muffler

Any student in auto mechanic school should understand which problems may arise while they’re working on repairing internal combustion engines, which work in tandem with the muffler. These rust holes can be found near the exhaust pipes, and are not to be confused with the small weep holes where the muffler drains water out to prevent rust. The presence of rust on the exterior of the muffler can be even riskier to drive with than rust on its inside, so this is a major red flag to watch for during your career as a mechanic.
Want to start your career by attending auto mechanic college?

Contact CATI today for more information!