In the know: What are mufflers for?

Porsche Cayenne Exclusiv

Your car’s engine is a complex mechanism that generates a considerable amount of power and creates a ton of noise. Excessive noise is not only distracting but constant exposure to loud sound can have detrimental effects on the driver and the passengers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What is the purpose of a muffler?

    A muffler works to deaden the sound your vehicle's engine makes.
  • Can a muffler help with your vehicle's performance?

    A properly working muffler can help the engine generate more power.
  • That said, we’re going to look at the part of your vehicle responsible for muffling out your engine’s loud sound — the muffler.

    toyota hilux rear

    What do mufflers do?

    A muffler's main job is to deaden the booming sound generated by your vehicle’s engine.

    See, an internal combustion engine creates the power to propel the vehicle by way of combustion. As the engine goes through the combustion process, large bursts of burnt gases are released through the exhaust system which creates loud sounds.

    People who are constantly exposed to loud noises, per the US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), are at risk of experiencing “stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other health problems.”

    Your muffler works by reducing the sound of the high-pressure gas, making your driving experience more convenient and comfortable.

    But that’s not all…

    Mufflers and your car’s performance

    In addition to regulating the sound going out of the exhaust, a muffler also aids in maximizing your vehicle’s performance. As a muffler allows the exhaust gas to exit your vehicle’s system, it also takes in fresh air which helps the engine generate more power.

    Experts say that the faster this process occurs, the better and the more efficient your car will run.

    All-new-Suzuki-GSX-S1000-rear

    Bottom line

    Mufflers do play an important role in how your car or your motorcycle functions. A properly working muffler not only saves you from going deaf but also helps your vehicle perform better.

    Photos from Porsche, Suzuki, and Toyota

    Also read: 

    In the know: Is it normal to see water come out of your exhaust pipe?

    In the know: Can engine oil go bad or stale in your car?

    In the know: What’s the deal with the powder on your car’s battery terminal?

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Changan puts up new dealerships in Bacoor, Angeles
      Changan puts up new dealerships in Bacoor, Angeles
      Ruben Manahan IV . Today
    • Volvo PH rolls out exclusive deals for XC90, XC60 PHEV
      Volvo PH rolls out exclusive deals for XC90, XC60 PHEV
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Tesla PH to open new Supercharging station in Opus Mall
      Tesla PH to open new Supercharging station in Opus Mall
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Toyota launches updated Raize
      Toyota launches updated Raize
      Cesar Miguel . Jan 28, 2026
    • Jetour T1 gets 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
      Jetour T1 gets 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 28, 2026
    • A close look into GWM’s facilities in China
      A close look into GWM’s facilities in China
      Cesar Miguel . Jan 27, 2026
    • VinFast V7: 4 reasons to buy
      VinFast V7: 4 reasons to buy
      Cesar Miguel . Jan 23, 2026
    • New year, new ride: Next-gen Nissan Navara
      New year, new ride: Next-gen Nissan Navara
      Cesar Miguel . Jan 21, 2026
    • New year, new ride: Aito M8
      New year, new ride: Aito M8
      Paulo Papa . Jan 16, 2026
    • New year, new ride: Mitsubishi Montero Sport
      New year, new ride: Mitsubishi Montero Sport
      Paulo Papa . Jan 16, 2026
    • Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
      Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
      Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 20, 2025
    • Here are ways to avoid road rage
      Here are ways to avoid road rage
      Paulo Papa . Sep 23, 2025
    • How well do you understand traffic signs?
      How well do you understand traffic signs?
      Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
    • How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
      How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
      Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 08, 2025
    • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
    • Ford Ranger Raptor V6: off-road conqueror is a decent daily driver
      Ford Ranger Raptor V6: off-road conqueror is a decent daily driver
      Cesar Miguel . Jan 07, 2026
    • ELECTRIA: Changan Hunter 4x4 Knight is crushing stigma around pickup trucks
      ELECTRIA: Changan Hunter 4x4 Knight is crushing stigma around pickup trucks
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jan 02, 2026
    • First drive: Radar RD6 Econ
      First drive: Radar RD6 Econ
      Cesar Miguel . Dec 02, 2025
    • Changan Nevo Q05: efficiently speedy
      Changan Nevo Q05: efficiently speedy
      Cesar Miguel . Nov 25, 2025
    • ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 3 - When simplicity just works
      ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 3 - When simplicity just works
      Cesar Miguel . Nov 24, 2025