The typical car muffler has a cylindrical or rectangular body with pipes sticking out of both ends. It’s made of metal, either steel or aluminum, and covered by insulation or heat-resistant coating to protect against high temperatures. That being said, the muffler doesn’t typically need a heat shield like the catalytic converter does. It gets hot but not as hot as the catalyst.
The pipes leading to the engine are inlet pipes that take in exhaust gases. Meanwhile, the pipes on the opposite side are outlet pipes that release them.
The car muffler is an acoustic device that reduces the noise produced by hot gases as they leave the engine and pass through the exhaust system. On most cars, the muffler is found behind the rear axle and in front of the tailpipe.
There will be a small hole in the end of the muffler casing on a good muffler and this hole is supposed to be positioned so that water from the exhaust can drain out and won’t gather in the muffler.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: The engine makes about a gallon of water for every gallon of gasoline it uses. This water goes out the exhaust, which is why you see steam from the exhaust of vehicles in the winter until the exhaust system warms up so that the vapor isn’t visible.
Depending on its design, the muffler contains a series of chambers, tubes, and baffles that silence the exhaust gases in one of several ways. Some mufflers absorb the sounds. Others redirect the sounds back to the engine or remove energy by forcing the gases through a narrow passage. Some mufflers disrupt the sound waves to reduce the noise.
Tips on How to Access the Car Muffler
Take steps to prevent your car from moving while you’re under it. Park your car on a level surface to prevent it from rolling. Make sure the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in park. Block the tires with wheel chocks.
Wait for the engine and exhaust system to cool down. Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from residual heat and sharp edges.
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