How to Know When a Muffler Is Broken

Co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 References

A muffler is an important component of an engine's exhaust system. The muffler is located in the middle or back of the exhaust, and its purpose is to reduce the noise produced from the exhaust process. It also directs the exhaust gases safely out the vehicle's system. Although manufacturers for regular checkups or replacement do not schedule the muffler, you should learn how to know when a muffler is broken because it does wear out or break. A defective muffler can cause significant noise pollution and pose a hazard for any of the vehicle's occupants.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!

*

1

Know the risks of a defective muffler.

Download Article

Damaged mufflers may emit dangerous gases. If the muffler has a hole, it can cause dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide to leak into the cabin of a vehicle. This colorless, odorless gas is a product of the combustion process. Mild exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure can lead to unconsciousness and death. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Additionally, many homeowners' associations, cities, restaurants, and apartment complexes have laws against loud noises from defective mufflers. If you have a broken muffler, you may face fines or refusal of service until you get the muffler fixed.
- A damaged muffler can also cause a car trip to be noisy and uncomfortable.

2

Listen to the sound of your vehicle.

Download Article

^{[2]
X
Research source} Thumping or clunking may indicate that something is broken in the exhaust system. Some mufflers contain baffles to reduce the noise of the exhaust system. These may become broken or loose and cause ratting in a muffler.

3

Inspect the muffler for any holes and rust.

Download Article

Use a car jack to raise the car and examine the muffler. ^{[3]
X
Research source} Inspect the muffler for any holes and rust. Visible rust on the outside may indicate an even worse problem on the inside of the muffler. Look for water dripping, as well; if it’s dripping from several places, holes may have formed from rust.
- Minor surface rust may be normal if it does not penetrate the metal.
- Some condensation does occur inside a muffler, and some manufacturers include a small drain hole.

EXPERT TIP

Hovig Manouchekian

Auto Repair & Design Specialist

Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.

Hovig Manouchekian
Auto Repair & Design Specialist

To inspect your muffler, park on a flat surface. Secure and stabilize your vehicle on a solid surface like a driveway or garage floor. Grass or gravel can be unstable and cause your car to shift, which may lead to injury. Before diving under your car, choose your parking spot wisely.

4

Check the temperature of the engine.

Download Article

A damaged muffler could cause the engine to overheat. Check the engine’s temperature after the car has run a while. If the car overheats, it may mean there are problems with your car's exhaust system. If the muffler is damaged or has come apart, this could cause a partial blockage and cause the engine to overheat or lose power.
- Take your car to a mechanic if you suspect your car has a defective muffler.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I safely jack my car?

Hovig Manouchekian
Auto Repair & Design Specialist
Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.

Hovig Manouchekian

Auto Repair & Design Specialist

Expert Answer

It's essential to ensure that your vehicle is parked on a firm and level surface. Steer clear of soft surfaces such as grass or gravel, as they may cause the car to shift, lose balance, and create a hazardous situation. Additionally, before jacking up your car, engage the parking brake and chock the wheels to the opposite side where it's being lifted to enhance stability and prevent unwanted movement.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What if there is a clear water leak from a muffler?

Community Answer

Water leaking from a muffler is normal when you have not driven far enough to cause the muffler to be so hot that it turns the water vapor in the exhaust to steam as it exits. The water vapor from the burned gasoline condenses in the exhaust pipe and muffler when the pipes and muffler are cold. This water from condensation is what causes rust in the muffler, and the rust causes the muffler to develop holes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question

Is there any way to get it to work?

Community Answer

If the pipe that leads to or out of a muffler is broken, it's possible to be repaired. If the muffler itself is broken, it cannot be fixed and should be replaced.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Perform the same tests if your car has a resonator attached to the tailpipe near the muffler. A resonator acts like a small muffler and provides additional exhaust silencing.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Take extra care when raising up a car with jacks. Use jack stands to support the car while examining the muffler.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

The exhaust system may be hot during the inspection and cause burns. Use caution and allow the car to cool down before touching anything.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4
Carbon monoxide gas is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 4

Things You'll Need

Car jack
Jack stands

[1]

[2]

[3]

Log in

How to Know When a Muffler Is Broken

Steps

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Know the risks of a defective muffler.

Listen to the sound of your vehicle.

Inspect the muffler for any holes and rust.

Check the temperature of the engine.

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories