Lately, you may have noticed that your car makes odd noises while you are driving, especially whenever you step on the gas to accelerate. After investigating the sound coming from the rear of your vehicle, you may have determined that the muffler is the culprit.

Because you may feel that the only thing a broken muffler causes is an annoying sound, you may believe that you can continue to drive your car and wait to have it fixed. However, there are a couple of reasons why you need to have your car's muffler repaired as soon as possible.

1. Risk of Exposing You and Your Passengers to the Car's Toxic Exhaust Fumes

One reason why you should not wait to have your muffler looked at by a professional is that there is a high risk of exposure to the car's toxic fumes. While you may feel that the car's cabin will keep you and your passengers safe, the fumes could easily enter the space.

If you have a broken muffler, especially if it is loose, there is a chance that the exhaust pipe that leads from it to the motor is damaged as well. Because this pipe travels directly under the cabin, if the fumes are escaping it, they can seep into the cabin through holes and cracks.

2. Inability of Fully Expelling Fumes from the Motor Puts a Strain on the Motor and Your Wallet

Another reason why you should have your muffler repaired is that it could be blocking the path of the exhaust fumes. If the fumes are unable to freely exit the exhaust pipe, they will back up into the motor.

Since the motor is unable to expel the excess fumes, it will need to work harder, which will put a strain on it. As a result, it will require more fuel to run properly, which will cause you to spend more money each week at the gas pump.

More than just an annoyance from the loud noises it makes, your car's broken muffler increases the risk of exposure to toxic fumes for anyone inside the cabin, and it will strain your motor and increase the amount of money you have to pay at the gas pump. As soon as possible, take your car to a muffler repair service to have them inspect the entire exhaust system to see what needs to be done to fix it.

Contact a company like Muffler Man to learn more about mufflers.