| $ DIY muffler replacement: $30 - $200+ (only parts). | $ $ Muffle repairs: $30 - $500+ | $ $ $ Professional muffler replacement: $75 - $750+ |
Many car owners of vehicles with combustion engines don’t realize that their vehicle is always making powerful noises, just that they are silenced by the muffler.
Inside combustion engines, there are literally a million of explosions and chemical reactions happening inside the combustion engine of vehicles that gives it the power it needs to function.
They typically silence the motor, but sometimes car owners like to enhance the growling sound, buying custom-made mufflers that can produce even more powerful sounds; this video made by explains what mufflers are and the different types of mufflers that exist.
Table of Contents
How Do Mufflers Work?
The muffler is part of the components of the exhaust system and is in charge of reducing the noise of vehicles that use combustion engines during the exhaust process; or in other words, they “muffle” out the moto’s noise.
Mufflers are tubes with chambers inside that cancel the noise of combustion engines by reflecting the sound waves created by them when exhaust gases and burnt fumes made by combustion enter the muffler.
The sound waves cancel each other similarly to the principle of noise-canceling headphones; here’s a video showing how mufflers work and cancel the noise.
What’s The Importance Of A Muffler?
Aside from reducing the noise produced by the exhaust process of all vehicles, the muffler is the final piece of the exhaust system that helps direct exhaust products out of the car.
This is very important because the vehicles with combustion engines make very harmful emissions which can get caught inside of the car, potentially provoking health issues, although breaking down these emissions is the work of the catalytic converter.
Also, the muffler works as a scape way, which directly impacts the motor’s performance and can provoke many problems if it gets clogged or damaged.
Their job is so essential that there are laws in all the states of America that require functioning mufflers on all vehicles driven on public roads.
When It’s Time To Replace The Muffler?
Mufflers usually last between 2 to 6 years or between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, and as with any other auto part, they wear out with time.
But mufflers can wear out prematurely or get damaged due to many reasons like the environment (car’s exposed to salty or wet environments) or due to driving habits (like being frequently hit by speed bumps or other road obstacles).
Which Are The Signs Of A Broken Or Damaged Muffler?
Several signs tell you the muffler is not working correctly and it’s time for repair or a replacement:
- Excessive noise from the muffler.
- Rattling.
- Low fuel efficiency.
- Toxic fumes.
- Vibrating.
- Check Engine Light.
Check out this article that explains these bad signs in more detail.
What Affects The Price Of Repairing Or Replacing A Muffler?
The final price of replacing or repairing a muffler depends on many factors like the type, year, make, and model of your vehicle, the quality of replacement parts, the muffler damage, labor work hours, and where the repair or replacement is done.
Muffle repairs usually cost from $30 to $500 or more; this includes things like fixing broken clamps or fixing a loose muffler.
A professional muffler replacement can cost from $75 to $750 or more; this includes labor costs which can go from $60 to $100 per hour.
Some basic muffler repairs can be done by yourself doing DIY, as well as replacing a muffler yourself, parts are the only thing needed; aftermarket mufflers can cost $30 to $200 or more.
Top Companies
A muffler is not fixed or replaced at all auto repair shops, they need to specialize in exhaust system work.
A great place to get the muffler repaired or replaced is an auto repair shop; some of them that can check out the exhaust system of your vehicle are: Midas, Mr. Tire, and Pep Boys, and you can see that in the following comparison.
| Company | Type of Work | Price Range |
| Midas | Parts and labor | $50 – $280 |
| Mr. Tire | Parts and labor | $50 – $250 |
| Pep Boys | Parts and labor | $60 – $315 |
| Walmart | Parts | $15 – $110 |
| Amazon | Parts | $80 – $200 |
Things to consider
Before Buying
- Before having your old muffler get replaced or replaced, it’s necessary to know which parts of the muffler are damaged parts.
- Some minor muffler repairs can be done by yourself doing DIY. Here’s a video that shows you how to replace a muffler.
- If the option is to replace the muffler, check firsts the warrant of your vehicle, as the damaged muffler may be covered by it.
- It’s important to buy parts that match this child’s type, make, year, and model.
When Buying
- When you go to the mechanic to replace the muffler, the car is jacked to allow to go underneath it and have better access.
- A professional muffler replacement can include the labor costs and any lady who needs hoses or pipes.
After Buying
- The muffler is one of the parts of the car that will need to be replaced again at another time, so having the signs of a damaged muffler is essential.
- If other parts from the exhaust system get damaged, like the exhaust pipes or the catalytic converter, they will also need repair or replacements.
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