Car Mufflers

Mufflers are integral components of the exhaust system of a vehicle’s engine. They serve to main functions: 1) they reduce the gas emissions of the engine and 2) they reduce the noise that the engine produces.

Looking at a cross-section of a muffler, one will find that it contains special chambers and cylinders. These serve to trap particles and gases that are being emitted by the engine, so that less dirty air is being released from the tailpipe of the car. If the muffler becomes smogged, sooty air comes out of the tailpipe which will be measured by a car inspector on the degree of smog emission. These chambers and cylinders also function by capturing the pressure waves that are emitted by the car engine when its valves open and close. It is these pressure waves that cause the characteristic rumbling and roar of the engine. Because these waves are circulated inside the chambers of the muffler, they baffle or cancel each other out, so that less noise is being emitted by the car.
Mufflers can be found in the undercarriage of the car. With lack of maintenance, the muffler may rust and deteriorate, causing it to rot and even to fall off. Most car service centers offer muffler maintenance. In the event that a muffler needs to be replaced, you can simply go to your local car parts dealer or check out online parts sites.