Everyone likes saving money. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying groceries, shopping for a new piece of furniture or buying a new home, being able to stretch your dollar is always welcome.
This is especially true when it comes to car repairs, as they tend to surprise you. Muffler repairs are just one of many repairs you might be forced to address. If you’re facing an unexpected muffler repair or replacement, you may be wondering if there are any other options to save you money. This blog post will cover how to know when you really have a muffler problem, whether you should pursue muffler repair or replacement, why do-it-yourself muffler repair isn’t such a good idea and how to finance muffler repair if necessary.
How to Know When You Have a Muffler Problem
Mufflers are a crucial part of your car’s exhaust system, so you need to pay attention to them when there’s an issue. Your exhaust system is exposed to high temperatures every day, which can cause cracks and holes in the pipes and tubing over time. If this leads to muffler failure, it compromises every area of your exhaust system that has been connected or welded to the muffler pipe. Fortunately, there are a variety of signs that it’s time to have your muffler repaired or replaced. Here are some of them:
- There’s a lot of noise when you crank up your car, sit idle or accelerate.
- You smell smoke coming from the tailpipe.
- You smell fumes while driving.
- You notice a change in your gas mileage.
All of these are signs that you don’t have a healthy exhaust system. It’s important to have a healthy exhaust system, as it’s responsible for moving exhaust gasses and harmful emissions created by the internal combustion process away from your vehicle. The question is, when it comes to a faulty muffler, do you repair or replace it.
Repair or Replace Mufflers?
Many car repair shops will advise you that you have to completely replace the entire muffler when it needs repaired. However, some shops have expert mechanics who can fabricate replacement parts and/or repair the specific area that needs to be addressed. They do this through custom pipe bending, welding and other techniques. As a result, repairs are less expensive because you're addressing what actually needs repaired — not parts that are in great condition.
So, instead of spending the money on replacing your entire exhaust system, you can potentially have the problem areas repaired or replaced. Plus, some shops even warrant the work. For example, Rainbow Muffler & Brake's parts and service are warrantied at more than 150 locations nationwide.
The Problem with DIY Muffler Repair
Now, you may be thinking, “Why don’t I just repair or replace the muffler myself?” After all, stores like Walmart carry something called “muffler tape” that supposedly seals and cracks holes in your muffler or tailpipe. While muffler tape and other DIY tricks can somewhat address specific muffler issues, they’re often more of a temporary fix than anything else. You will likely continue to experience problems or will face more expensive repairs in the future.
If you want to truly diagnose the health of your muffler and fix it appropriately, you should take it to an auto repair shop. For one, the mechanics there will likely have the expertise that you don’t — after all, they've undergone training and spend all their days maintaining and repairing vehicles. Secondly, you’ll enjoy warrantied work and ensure you aren’t spending even more money down the road. Finally, you gain more peace of mind when you go to an expert.
When Financing Makes Sense for Muffler Repair
Of course, there are times when you truly need a muffler replacement, not just a repair. But what if you can’t even afford a repair? This is where muffler repair financing steps in. Some auto repair shops, like Rainbow Muffler & Brake, offer financing for auto repairs like muffler repair work. You can pay over 12 months, and even no credit or bad credit is okay. Financing is available for services over $250 and up to $3,000. The application is simple, and you’ll know whether you’re approved in less than a minute.
Where to Go in Cleveland for Muffler Repair
Rainbow Muffler & Brake provides the very best muffler repair and replacement services in Ohio. We have muffler repair from Nottingham Road to Willoughby Hills. If you're located in Maple Heights, we have muffler mechanics waiting for you, there, too! With expert technicians, warrantied work and flexible financing, Rainbow Muffler & Brake is the only muffler repair shop you’ll ever need. Plus, all our exhaust system inventory is made in America, so you can feel good about what's going on your vehicle.
Want to save money on muffler repair? Bring your vehicle in for an inspection at any of our six mechanic shops in Cleveland and we’ll help you determine whether a replacement or repair makes the most sense for you.
