Muffler check and replacement

A car’s muffler damps engine noise, keeps driving comfortable and safely directs hot gases out from under the vehicle. Rust, vibration and mechanical damage, however, create leaks in the pipework that cause excessive noise or allow dangerous fumes into the cabin. If your muffler is giving you trouble, bring the car to your nearest Carstop workshop — we inspect the exhaust pipework, carry out welding work and replace resonators or silencer boxes.

Carstop workshops include the following among their maintenance services

Visual inspection and leak test of the exhaust pipework
Partial muffler repair, welding work and gasket replacement
Complete replacement of resonators, sections and silencer boxes

How to recognise when you should bring your car in for a check

The car is too loud when accelerating or at idle
If the muffler has rusted or split somewhere, the system can no longer damp the sound waves. The car's note becomes droning and deep, or a distinctive rattle and vibration appears.
Knocking, rattling or clattering from under the car
The muffler is held under the car by special rubber mounts and clamps. When these wear or break, the muffler starts knocking against the floorpan or the axle and may come away entirely on a longer journey.

Read more about the service

Does a damaged muffler always have to be replaced completely?
Not necessarily. If the damage is minor or only one specific spot has rusted, the muffler can often be welded, or only the particular part (for example the flexible section or the rear box) replaced, which is considerably cheaper.
How does a damaged muffler affect passing the roadworthiness test?
A leaking muffler is a direct reason for failing the test. Because the system is not sealed, the inspector cannot measure emissions correctly, and excessive noise and gas leaks do not meet safety requirements.

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