If you have ever heard a car that is operating much louder than it should be, it likely has a problem with its muffler. As the name implies, the muffler’s job is to muffle the sounds created by the vehicle’s engine. Mufflers are one of the many OEM Chevy parts that we sell here at Keyes Chevrolet, and our Chevy mechanics are happy to educate drivers near Sherman Oaks about how exactly mufflers work and why they are necessary.
What is a Muffler?
Engines need to generate a lot of power to operate, especially in high-powered Chevy models like the Chevy Silverado 1500. As a result, they generate numerous pulsating sounds that reverberate through the exhaust valves. Thousands of these pulses are created every single minute, and without a functioning muffler, these pulses will be incredibly noisy.
So how exactly do mufflers cancel out the engine noise? If you were to open up a muffler, you would encounter a series of tubes, baffles, and chambers. These pieces all work in conjunction to reflect sound waves created by the engine. Different mufflers create a different range of noises. While some are designed to be silent, others are specifically designed to create a distinctive growling sound.
What Happens When a Muffler Needs to be Replaced?
Some mufflers can last the entire lifespan of the vehicle. However, if you’re starting to notice more noise than usual coming from the engine, it could be due to a faulty muffler. Mufflers degrade over time due to being exposed to the moisture and heat in the air.
If you’re experiencing muffler issues, schedule a service appointment here at Keyes Chevrolet, and we’ll replace it with an OEM Chevrolet part.