Isn’t the Muffler the Same Thing as the Exhaust System?
The muffler on your car is actually the last part of the exhaust system. The muffler dampens the sound level while the exhaust system removes any harmful contaminants from the used-up air and pollution your vehicle’s motor generates while operating. You may have muffler trouble and exhaust system issues separate from one another.
The skilled mechanics and technicians at waxmanoftristate.com are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for your muffler and exhaust repair job. One of the top exhaust repair shops in Jersey City, The Waxman of Tristate is located in Jersey City, but serves customers from all five boroughs.
When Do I Need Muffler Repair?
Fortunately, diagnosing a needed muffler repair is usually pretty straightforward. There are a few telltale signs to keep in mind, however, including:
- Holes in the muffler, from rust or road damage, make your engine roar louder than before. As the holes enlarge, the noise gets louder. A rattling noise under the vehicle often means that the muffler has broken loose from the car frame. Hissing and popping sounds may indicate leaks in the exhaust system.
- When you look underneath your vehicle, you may notice substantial rust or holes in your muffler. Holes in your muffler create more than noise, but when carbon monoxide leaks into the interior of your car, you experience nausea, dizziness and headaches. The odorless and colorless chemical can even lead to unconsciousness and death.
- While performing a visual inspection, check for dripping water. Some condensation is normal, but large amounts require muffler repair.
- If your vehicle overheats and you’ve recently had the engine’s cooling system serviced, your muffler may be the culprit. In this case, visit your The Waxman of Tristate muffler repair shop immediately.
- If you feel any vibration on the steering wheel, foot pedals or car seat, you may have a leak in your exhaust system. The leak causes your engine to work harder, which generates more vibrations.
- When you need exhaust leak repair, you typically notice decreased fuel efficiency and higher fuel consumption. If you’re buying more gas than you used to, get your vehicle checked out.
Malfunctioning mufflers range from a minor nuisance to a major headache, literally. It can jeopardize your vehicle’s engine and your health. The technicians at the The Waxman of Tristate muffler repair shop work on foreign and domestic cars as well as hybrids and electric vehicles. They quickly diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution at a fair cost.
When Does My Exhaust System Need Repair?
While a muffler is usually the most noticeable culprit of exhaust damage, there are other components to the system. In addition to muffler repair, you may need exhaust system repair for the:
- Manifold. The manifold is connected to the cylinder head. It collects exhaust from each head so that it can be pushed out through the exhaust.
- Catalytic converter. This converts harmful emissions into carbon dioxide and water vapor. New York State requires vehicles to meet the California standards for emissions. If your catalytic converter is shot, it has to be replaced.
- Oxygen sensor. This equipment keeps your vehicle running efficiently by ensuring you have the right mix of oxygen in the fuel.
- Exhaust joints. Cracks or leaks in these joints and clamps usually don’t require a complete exhaust system repair, but can usually be plugged or replaced.
- Hangars. Broken hangars should be replaced immediately so they don’t cause the muffler to shift or cause additional damage.
What Are Common Types of Muffler and Exhaust Repair?
Depending on your vehicle, there are several types of exhaust system problems the require a trained technician. Relying on an expert to do your muffler and exhaust repair saves you time and money. At The Waxman of Tristate, they only do the work that’s needed to keep you safe and compliant with NY laws. Most thorough muffler and exhaust repairs don’t require replacing the entire exhaust system. Common repairs include:
- Exhaust leak repair
- Exhaust pipe repair
- Exhaust manifold repair
- Exhaust flex pipe repair
- Muffler replacement
- Catalytic converter replacement
The experienced The Waxman of Tristate technicians have performed high-quality work since 1999. They offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs. Contact them today to schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s exhaust system.
