Volkswagens are among the most versatile and reliable cars being manufactured today. From hatchbacks to sedans to sport utility vehicles, Volkswagen makes a car that is right for every driver. Though Volkswagens are fuel-efficient, attractive, and built to last, they still need regular maintenance & upkeep, of course, and that includes their exhaust systems.
A major component of your car’s exhaust system is the muffler. A damaged muffler can lead to a large drop in fuel efficiency, dangerous fumes spewing out of your car into the air, and increases in noise levels that at the very least are obnoxious, and at worst can result in fines and citations.
Mufflers are small metal chambers that decrease (or muffle) the sounds of combustion in your engine that travel through the car. Inside the muffler is a series of baffles that gradually dampen the sounds, as it approaches the resonator, which completely cancels the sound.
A hole in a muffler can cause dangerous gases to leak into the cabin. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced during combustion and which is usually directed through the exhaust system and out the tailpipe, but in the case of damage can instead be re-directed inside the car. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause sickness and death.
Many cities and communities have laws and ordinances that expressly target loud cars and damaged mufflers. Failure to fix a broken muffler can lead to citations, fines, and more, depending on the laws in your area.
Three of the Most Common Causes of Muffler Damage
- Driving through wet or snowy terrain can lead to an accumulation of moisture on your muffler, which if left alone can lead to a proliferation of rust. Rust will almost certainly lead to cracks and holes developing in your muffler. Additionally, the salt that is used on roads to melt snow can leave residue on the muffler’s surface and cause corrosion.
- If the muffler bracket is broken, the muffler will hang down from the car and drag across the road as you drive, not only causing the sounds mentioned above, but also causing damage and abrasion that will lead to cracks and holes.
- Any kind of debris, such as garbage, rocks, or anything else, in the road that you subsequently run over can cause damage. Potholes, curbs, and even speed bumps will make the car bounce enough to scrape the muffler, dislodging it from the bracket, or even causing holes and cracks.
Warning Signs of a Bad Muffler
If you notice any of the below signs of muffler damage, bring your VW to a professional for diagnosis and repair:
- Much Louder Engine: The engine itself will sound louder because the muffler is not doing its primary job, which is to muffle the sounds of the engine. Cracks and holes in the muffler will allow the sounds to escape without any sort of dampening.
- Misfiring: Any problem in the exhaust system can cause your engine to run rough, resulting in knocks and misfirings. This is not limited to muffler problems, but can be a red flag.
- Drop in fuel economy: If any of the exhaust system’s pipes are damaged, including the ones running to and from the muffler, the damage can affect fuel efficiency. If you find yourself filling your tank more than usual, one possibility could be a broken muffler.
- Rattling Sound: This can be caused by a muffler that has come loose from the muffler bracket, causing the muffler to bounce around as the car is in motion, hitting the other nearby components or even the ground. It can also be caused by the baffles inside the muffler coming loose and rattling around inside the muffler’s chamber.
Dart Auto Will Fix Your Muffler
It’s absolutely essential that you keep your 
muffler and exhaust system in top working order for reasons of health and safety, fuel economy, and general noise levels, among others.
Our mechanics at Dart Auto will keep your Volkswagen running at peak performance, as our many customers in the Denver, CO area will attest. Our specialized shop is fully equipped to handle all of your Volkswagen’s needs, no matter the model. So bring your car in today and be assured that it’s in capable and professional hands. We look forward to earning your patronage.
