Those who want to protect the environment should consider their cars? mufflers.
Although many people believe the muffler?s main purpose is to keep a car quiet, it?s also a key component of a car?s exhaust system, keeping dangerous emissions from the air.
“If people don?t drive much or just take short trips ? the inside ofthe muffler will rust,” said Jeffrey Boone, an approved automotive repair specialist with the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic. “The rust will fall and cover the weep hole (from which water drains) and that accelerates the muffler [corrosion].”
Although the muffler looks simple, it?s actually quite complex with a number of tubes designed to reflect sound waves inside the engine and cancel them out. The muffler also keeps carbon monoxide and other dangerous emissions out of the environment.
MUFFLER TIPS
Protect your muffler with some of these tips from Jeffrey Boone and his AAA colleagues Ed Kriston and Troy Green.
» Drive your car
Cars that sit for long periods of time or are only used for short trips will need their mufflers replaced more frequently because the engines do not heat sufficiently to dispel excess moisture from them. When a car shakes as it starts, it is removing condensation from the pipes.
» Beware leaks from your muffler
Although some condensation will drain, holes in mufflers damage the environment and can prove hazardous (or deadly) to passengers. A good rule of thumb is to have the muffler professionally inspected at least once a year. If a muffler does leak excessively, it will not pass Maryland State Inspection.
» Remember: mufflers are complex
If the sound of your car grows increasingly louder, it might not have any visible holes because it?s rusting from the inside out. It may need replacement. Listen for debris inside the muffler. That sound can be heard if you lightly tap the muffler.
» Don?t be overly concerned
Mufflers don?t need scheduled maintenance ? they often last 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and type of car.
» Understand muffler warranties
Many service centers offer lifetime warranties on mufflers. Those only cover the mufflers and not the myriad pipes and components that are part of the system. It often isn?t feasible to only replace a muffler and not the pipes and other components. The warranties also don?t cover labor.
For more information on car maintenance, go to aaa.com. ? Nancy Dunham
