Mufflers make up an important part of your car’s exhaust system and a bad or incorrect muffler can make your vehicle unroadworthy in most states.

What does a muffler do?

A muffler does what its name suggests; it muffles the noise from your engine. As part of the car’s exhaust system, the muffler will decrease the noise but can also be used for enhancing your car’s performance. Some mufflers are designed for the sole purpose of creating a certain exhaust note from your vehicle.

How does it reduce noise?

Your car engine creates noise when it expels the loud sound waves created by the expulsion of exhaust gases from the cylinder chambers. By directing these sound waves through a series of pressure chambers and tubes the sound is muffled before it exists the vehicle.

Factors in what muffler to choose

• Your car – mufflers come in different sizes, you will need to get a muffler that fits your vehicle and the exhaust system that it has in place.
• Performance – did you want to enhance the performance of your car? If you want to get a performance enhancing muffler fitted, speak to a specialist.
• Size – determine the size of your current exhaust. Different exhaust systems have different diametres and even though adaptors can be installed, it is best to get an exact fit.
• Noise – some people like their cars to be a little louder than the average car. If you want your car to have a certain sound then you need to ensure that the muffler gives you that.
• Usage – if you do lots of short trips you may be better with a stainless steel muffler otherwise you may find that your exhaust system is frequently rusting out.
• Show Cars – if you have a collector’s piece or just an old car with character you may want to investigate the type of muffler it originally had.
• Budget – mufflers, like all things, come in all price brackets. Have a budget in mind and don’t forget installation costs when you are calculating this.

Can I fit my own muffler?

Unless you have a good working knowledge of cars and their components, it is advisable that you get a professional to fit your new muffler. An incorrectly fitted muffler can adversely affect the performance of your vehicle, the peace and quiet of your neighbourhood and the roadworthiness of your vehicle. Most retailers will also install and if you purchased your vehicle recently check with the dealer as to whether or not the muffler is still covered by warranty.

In some cases faulty mufflers may be able to be repaired but you need to assess the cost of a new one versus the cost of repairs. If you need to repair your muffler it may be due to either driving conditions or because of other issues within your exhaust system. Constant repairing and patching may end up being the least economical of the options.