muffler & exhaust SERVICES
20% off Labor Charges (max $50 discount)
(not valid with any other offer)
Mufflers & Exhaust Service — Since 1999
Wayne's Auto Repair has been the central Ohio muffler shop for drivers since 1999. If your car's gotten louder than it should be, you're smelling exhaust where you shouldn't, or you've got a check-engine light tied to your emissions system, our ASE-certified technicians handle the full range of muffler and exhaust repair — with up-front pricing and same-day service when we can. Searching for a muffler shop near you? You've found the right one.
We cover every part of the exhaust system in-house: muffler replacement, manifolds, catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, hangers, gaskets, oxygen sensors, and exhaust leaks. We start every job with a thorough inspection so we know what your vehicle actually needs — and we walk you through the findings before any work begins. If we can repair instead of replace, we will. If a section is too far gone to save, we'll tell you straight.
Find Wayne's at three convenient locations across central Ohio: Columbus, Westerville, and Powell. All three shops are part of the Alpha Automotive family — a network of trusted Ohio repair shops backed by decades of community service.
Signs You Need Muffler or Exhaust Service
Exhaust problems get worse the longer they're left — both for your wallet and for anyone breathing the air inside your cabin. If your vehicle is showing any of these signs, bring it in for an inspection:
- Your car is suddenly louder — a deep rumble or roaring sound when accelerating
- Hissing, popping, or tapping sounds from underneath the vehicle
- You smell exhaust fumes inside the cabin (this one is a safety issue — don't wait)
- Rattling sound from the undercarriage, especially over bumps
- Visible rust, holes, or damage on any exhaust component
- Decreased fuel economy or sluggish acceleration
- Check-engine light tied to oxygen sensors or catalytic converter codes
- Failed emissions or e-check inspection
- Black or sooty residue around the tailpipe
Why Drivers Choose Wayne's for Muffler & Exhaust Service
- ASE-certified technicians at every shop. Our mechanics are trained, tested, and re-certified on the work they do.
- Up-front pricing. You get a clear estimate before we touch a wrench. No surprises. No upsells you didn't ask for.
- Repair before replace. We weld and patch where it makes sense — replacement is the answer when the part is truly gone, not by default.
- Quality mufflers, converters, and parts. OEM-equivalent or OEM exhaust components, backed by a parts-and-labor warranty.
- Locally owned since 1999. Wayne's was founded in central Ohio by Wayne Little. Still part of the community.
- Part of the Alpha Automotive family. Backed by a network of trusted Ohio repair shops — Complete Brake Service, Ernie's Automotive, Petty's Auto & Electric, and Hilliard Auto Repair.
- Three convenient locations. Columbus, Westerville, and Powell — choose whichever fits your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I need muffler or exhaust repair?
The most common sign is sound — if your vehicle has gotten noticeably louder, you probably have a hole, a crack, or a failing muffler. Other signs include hissing or popping sounds, exhaust smell inside the cabin, rattling from underneath, a check-engine light tied to oxygen sensors or the catalytic converter, or a failed emissions test.
Why is my exhaust so loud?
A louder-than-normal exhaust usually means there's a hole or crack somewhere — most often in the muffler itself, but sometimes in the pipes, the manifold, or at a gasket joint. The exhaust gases are escaping before the muffler can quiet them down. We'll locate the source and tell you whether it's a repair or a replacement.
Do you repair mufflers, or only replace them?
Both. If the muffler can be welded or patched cleanly and the rest of it is sound, we'll repair it. If the unit is too far gone — widespread rust, internal damage, or structural failure — replacement is the right call. We'll always show you what we're seeing before we recommend either path.
What's a catalytic converter, and do you replace them?
The catalytic converter is the emissions-control component that converts engine exhaust gases into less harmful compounds. When it fails, you'll typically get a check-engine light, lose fuel economy, and fail an emissions test. We diagnose converter issues and replace them when warranted — with OEM or OEM-equivalent parts.
Can I drive with a broken muffler or exhaust leak?
You can, but you shouldn't for long. A loud muffler is mostly a noise issue, but an exhaust leak can let carbon monoxide into your cabin — that's a safety problem. If you smell exhaust inside the car, treat it as urgent. Bring it in or call the shop nearest you.
Will exhaust repair help my fuel economy or emissions?
Often, yes. Exhaust leaks confuse the oxygen sensors that tell your engine how much fuel to deliver, which can hurt fuel economy and trigger a check-engine light. A failed catalytic converter does the same thing and will fail an emissions test. Fixing the exhaust frequently restores both.
How long does muffler or exhaust service take?
Most muffler replacements take 1 to 2 hours. Full exhaust-system work (catalytic converter, multiple sections, custom pipe work) can take a half day or more. We'll give you a clear time estimate up-front when we quote the work.
Do I need an appointment for muffler or exhaust service?
Appointments help us schedule the work efficiently — request one online or call the shop nearest you. Walk-ins are welcome too. If you're smelling exhaust inside the cabin, treat it as urgent and let us know when you call.
Serving Westerville & the Surrounding Communities
Wayne's Auto Repair has served Westerville and its surrounding communities since 1999.
From our shop at 5995 Westerville Road on the city's south side, we serve drivers across Westerville, Columbus, Worthington, New Albany, Gahanna, and the Polaris corridor. We regularly see customers from ZIP codes 43081, 43082, 43229, 43085, 43054, 43230, and 43240 — the heart of north-central Columbus and the Westerville school district communities.
Wayne's Auto Repair — Westerville
5995 Westerville Road
Westerville, OH 43081
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Located right on Westerville Road just south of Schrock and minutes from Otterbein University, Polaris, and Easton. Easy access from I-270 (Exit 30, Westerville Road) and SR-3 — convenient whether you're coming from Uptown Westerville, Columbus, or out near New Albany.
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