PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What is the difference between a muffler and an exhaust?
I hate to sound silly, but I’m new to car ownership and I have a question. What’s the difference between a muffler and an exhaust? Are they the same thing?
Heather Bernhard · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! There is a difference between a muffler and an exhaust, and no, they’re not the same thing.
In a nutshell, a muffler is a part of the exhaust system.
The exhaust system, as a whole, takes harmful gasses that are produced by your car’s combustion system and releases them into the air. If gasses remained in your car, it could cause you or your passengers to get sick.
Your car’s exhaust system is made up of many different pieces that all work together, including the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator, tailpipe, and the muffler.
The muffler is essentially a soundproofing device (hence, the name); its main job is to dissipate the loud noises produced by the engine’s pistons and valves.
All you have to do is remember that the muffler is part of the exhaust, and you’ll be fine!
You mentioned that you’re a new driver: did you know that
car insurance
super app Jerry specializes in getting new drivers the best rates possible? Jerry
is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk: Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from dozens of top providers. Don’t lose coverage—find savings with Jerry. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
