Do Exhaust Tips Change Sound?

The length and diameter of an exhaust tip and whether it’s down-turned can slightly change the sound of your vehicle. Here’s what to know.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Depending on the length, diameter, and design, exhaust tips can change your car's sound—but not by much. You’ll need to replace your muffler with an aftermarket version or install a custom exhaust system for a drastic change in your car’s sound.
If you want to change the sound of your car’s exhaust system and are trying to decide between swapping out your muffler or getting a new exhaust tip, then you’ve come to the right place.
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What are exhaust tips?

The exhaust tip is an accessory fitted to the tailpipe that channels exhaust gasses to regulate the airflow and sound your vehicle produces. Exhaust tips come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials for varying looks and effects. 

Types of muffler tips

With so many different types of aftermarket exhaust tips available and each design producing different results, it can be overwhelming to find the right tip for your car. 
We’ve listed the most common types of exhaust tips here:
  • Single wall: These exhaust tips are made from a single layer of metal, like stainless steel, and are easy and affordable to maintain. But single wall exhaust tips won’t do much to change your vehicle’s sound.
  • Dual wall: Made from two layers of material, double-walled exhaust tips are the more durable version of single-wall exhaust tips.
  • Angle cut: Typically cut at a 45-degree angle, these exhaust tips offer an edgier look to your car’s tailpipe and are a popular choice among 4x4 owners.
  • Turndown exit: While most exhaust tips are pointed straight forward, the opening of this exhaust tip is aimed towards the ground and is an effective way to redirect a vehicle’s exhaust and reduce engine noise.
  • Intercooled: These tips have an internal secondary tube with holes at the end to cool the gasses and soften the exhaust note.
The exhaust tip design as well as the length and circumference of the tip that is right for your car will depend on the end result you’re looking for. 
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Do exhaust tips change the sound of your car or make your car louder?

Adding an exhaust tip could change the exhaust note or even make the exhaust noise louder,
depending on the length, width of the opening, and design of the exhaust tip. 
Installing an exhaust tip with a wider opening will produce a throaty sound, while a narrow exhaust tip will produce a raspier sound
If you want to reduce the sound coming from your exhaust system, you can opt for a downturn exit design or a longer exhaust tip. Increasing the distance sound waves have to travel will reduce unpleasant exhaust noises.
However, installing exhaust tips by themselves will only make a slight change to your vehicle’s sound because most exhaust systems come equipped with noise-muffling technology throughout the system.

How to change your exhaust sound

There are a number of components that affect the sound your exhaust system makes—from the condition of the catalytic converter to the muffler. Accordingly, there are several ways to change your exhaust sound, some of which are more effective than others. 
Here are a few steps you can take to change your exhaust sound:
  • Replace your muffler. While factory mufflers are used to quite literally “muffle” the engine sound, there are aftermarket performance mufflers you can purchase to alter your engine sound or make it louder.
  • Install a resonator exhaust tip and custom exhaust system. If you’re looking for next-level revs, you’ll want to pair a custom exhaust system with a resonator that has specially designed cavities to create high-frequency sounds. A cat-back exhaust system will be louder than a straight pipe.
  • Clean your exhaust pipe. You can use soap, water, and a rag to clear your exhaust pipe of grime build-up and dramatically improve your sound and increase volume.
Adding a new exhaust tip to your tailpipe is the easiest and most affordable car modification you can make to change your exhaust sound, but it will be minor. Buying a new muffler or replacing your exhaust system altogether will produce serious results. 

Find hassle-free car insurance

Installing an exhaust tip will change your car’s sound, but that’s not the only thing it will change. Any modifications made to your car, including your adding an exhaust tip to your exhaust system, could increase your
car insurance
rates, too. 
Luckily, you can use
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FAQs

Depending on the width of the opening, the length, and the design, the exhaust tip could make the sound from your car softer, throatier, or raspier—but it won’t change the sound much.
Exhaust controls noise, redirects fumes away from passengers, and improves engine performance and fuel consumption.
Exhaust tips can be made of aluminum, chrome, or stainless steel.
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