Did you know your vehicle’s muffler performs multiple critical duties? As the name indicates, the muffler reduces excessive noise levels as exhaust enters the environment. The exhaust system also carries harmful fumes like carbon monoxide out past your car to prevent them from entering the cabin. Exposed to the elements underneath your vehicle, the muffler and other exhaust components are subject to corrosion or damage over time. When that happens, air pollution and noise pollution are the results. 

At Xavier’s Auto Center, our service specialists can correct exhaust leaks and other issues with your exhaust system using high-quality parts and professional workmanship. 

How the exhaust system works

The combustion process inside the engine generates byproducts that are proven to be harmful to the environment. Carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, and other chemicals could potentially cause environmental damage. In addition, the engine generates immense amounts of heat and noise. The exhaust system addresses all of these things. 

• An exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases as they exit the engine.
• Gases pass into the catalytic converter where they superheat to neutralize chemicals. 
• The treated exhaust travels through an exhaust pipe to the muffler.
• Inside the muffler, baffles interrupt sound waves to dampen their volume. 
• The exhaust then travels from the muffler to the atmosphere through the tailpipe. 

Each of these components is vital to reduce the noises created by the engine or eliminate harmful gases. If one of them is damaged, it can affect the car’s emissions as well as engine performance and fuel economy. 

Common issues with the exhaust system

Exhaust parts are typically made of galvanized or stainless steel to resist corrosion, but time and exposure to the elements can still cause failures. You’ll need to replace your muffler, exhaust pipe, or catalytic converter if it has a rust hole through it, but it can also be impacted and damaged. 

Catalytic converters can fail if the engine isn’t running properly too. Should it overheat due to contaminants or simply over time, the catalyst material inside can break down and plug the exhaust system. 

How Xavier’s Auto Center can serve you

Wondering what a muffler replacement costs on your vehicle? Are you unsure why you have a loud rumbling sound underneath? We can help. Xavier’s Auto Center has expert technicians who can perform an exhaust inspection and provide you with a detailed report and quote on the problem at hand. We use high-quality components for all exhaust repairs to keep your repair cost as reasonable as possible without compromising on dependability. For your peace of mind, we back all repairs with a no-nonsense 24-month/24k-mile warranty.