Mufflers & Exhaust
Muffler & Exhaust Repair
Your vehicle’s exhaust system is extremely important. It greatly affects the performance of your car or truck, and it can also save your life by diverting deadly carbon monoxide fumes away from the vehicle. Here is what you need to know about your exhaust system and how to identify if you might have exhaust problems that you’ll want to get inspected and repaired at Vehicle Masters.
The Purpose of the Exhaust System
When the exhaust system is doing its job, you won’t even notice it. The main purpose is to divert exhaust fumes away from your engine and decrease their harmfulness. If those exhaust fumes are not being expelled properly, then it can lead to major deterioration within the engine compartment. Likewise, a build-up of carbon monoxide gas can be deadly if it starts seeping into the passenger cabin.
A well-running exhaust system will reduce your vehicle’s emissions and it can even improve your fuel economy. Vehicle Masters has all your exhaust system maintenance and repair needs covered.
Custom Exhaust Shop
Vehicle Masters is your local shop for custom exhaust and muffler work on your car, truck or SUV. Contact us to learn about how we can enhance your ride with a performance or show muffler, catalytic converter or exhaust system.
Exhaust System Components
There are four primary components to most traditional exhaust systems:
EVERYDAY STREET
OFF-ROAD, HI PERFORMANCE,
AND POWERSPORTS VEHICLES
Exhaust Manifold
Connects to the engine and expels exhaust fumes away from the engine and into the other exhaust system components.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter will burn off and remove as much of the toxins as possible in your exhaust fumes, thus reducing air pollution and minimizing deadly carbon monoxide.
Muffler
The muffler minimizes the sound coming from your exhaust, so that your vehicle runs as quietly as possible (unless you have a custom exhaust that you want to sound louder on purpose).
Pipes
Pipes connect the various exhaust system components to conduct the travel of the fumes, ultimately expelling out of the tail pipe at the back of your vehicle.
Vehicle Masters has you covered with almost
every automotive service you could need.
Our most common services are listed throughout the site, please consider us for all your vehicle needs.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
159th between Central and Oak Park Ave.
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Vehicle Masters Auto Repair
6012 W. 159th Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Mufflers and Exhaust Systems
How do you know if your exhaust is broken?
If you notice vibrations/rattling, you may have an exhaust issue. If your car is vibrating, losing power or making a loud rattling sound, it may be a problem with your catalytic converter that you’ll want to have checked out immediately by the expert exhaust repair technicians.
Will exhaust problems cause check engine light?
Your check engine light can come on for a variety of reasons. One of them is a failing catalytic converter. If your check engine light is on, get it looked at as soon as possible. If it is flashing, pull over immediately and call for help.
Why does my car sound so loud when I accelerate?
If your vehicle sounds louder than normal when you step on the gas pedal, it may be a sign that your muffler or exhaust pipes are leaking or getting worn out. Get them checked out asap.
How does exhaust affect fuel consumption?
This can be a sign of many different issues, but exhaust problems are one reason why your fuel economy is starting to diminish.
When it comes to maintaining and repairing your exhaust system, catalytic converter and muffler, count on the team at Vehicle Masters. Call us today at 708-687-9955 or schedule an appointment online.
Top notch repair shop. Steve takes great pride in the facility and the work that is being performed. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I will definitely be back for future service!
Honest, reliable and a good price point. Always trust the owner Steve.
I randomly contacted this shop for just some basic advice and troubleshooting. I was instructed to bring my vehicle in to be looked at. I not only got a thorough breakdown of what was wrong, I was quoted a decent price for the level of work that's required. I spoke with a Mr. Steve Becker, and his bedside manner was a display of professionalism, and good knowledge of what and why the vehicle needs what it needs. I am going to use them, and I recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable shop to work on your vehicle.
Finally an honest business person who took time to check my car out for my mother and make sure there were no safety issues for her. Really appreciate the attention to customer service. Will be bringing our car back when we need work.
Best place ever. So kind and helpful. I had a problem and called and talked to Steve. Steve told me to come the same day and he would look at it. He fixed it the same day. Very polite people. Clean waiting area.
I was serviced care of by Steve and Frank. Great guys, always kept me in the loop of what was going on. I will definitely be bring all my vehicles to this shop. Excellent customer service and extremely professional. Thank you for everything.
Alternator needed replacing, was from out of town had to head to Roscoe Illinois to drop off my brother I'm law same day and head to Tennessee the following morning, he got me in immediately and took care of everything was able to get back home without being delayed they were great
Excellent job, Steve service my car promptly, and was helpful and friendly.
Vehicle Masters always do a great job. Steve is trustworthy and always explains what’s needed or not needed. They seem to price fairly and always find a spot in their schedule. Hard to find a mechanic you can trust, but this is the one.
Same owners who owned Merlin mufflers. Great people, very knowledgeable techs. I highly recommend.
Vehicle Masters owner and technicians in Oak Forest are very knowledgeable, efficient, and reliable. Their prices are very reasonable. It has always been a great experience doing business with them.
I cannot say enough good things about Vehicle Masters. They are honest mechanics and good people. I have complete faith that they will be able to help, give you a fair deal, and treat you with respect.
My wife and I are not really car people, and we brought in a used car that we were thinking of purchasing for a pre-purchase inspection. The person that looked over the car, I think it was Steve, was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and generally cared about whether or not we bought a lemon when he had no monetary reason to. He went through everything with us, explained potential red flags, and even cautioned us about doing business with the specific used car salesman based on his history with him. We ended up not buying the car based on his assessment, and I will be taking the car we did purchase to Vehicle Masters even though it's a good 45 minutes away from our homebase because of how positive our experience with them was.
If you're looking for an honest, knowledgeable mechanic, who will treat you with respect, Vehicle Masters is absolutely the place to go.
My wife and I are not really car people, and we brought in a used car that we were thinking of purchasing for a pre-purchase inspection. The person that looked over the car, I think it was Steve, was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and generally cared about whether or not we bought a lemon when he had no monetary reason to. He went through everything with us, explained potential red flags, and even cautioned us about doing business with the specific used car salesman based on his history with him. We ended up not buying the car based on his assessment, and I will be taking the car we did purchase to Vehicle Masters even though it's a good 45 minutes away from our homebase because of how positive our experience with them was.
If you're looking for an honest, knowledgeable mechanic, who will treat you with respect, Vehicle Masters is absolutely the place to go.
We absolutely trust Vehicle Masters and the owner, Steve, to give us honest, reliable answers and fixes for our cars.
I have been going to Vehicle Masters (formerly Merlin's) for years. Steve and his mechanics have always done a great job on my cars, keeping my two Toyota RAV4s running for years. Appreciate Vehicle Masters and the great work that they do.
A couple of months ago I brought my car to Vehicle Masters with an unusual problem. Some areas of the under carriage of my 2006 Honda Pilot was rusting in the area of where the unibody and rear subframe bolt together which was becoming dangerous. This job is what earned my respect and total trust for Steve and his crew at Vehicle Masters. Steve quoted me a price that seemed fair and a couple of days later, he called me stating that he reassessed of how to best repair this job and had a new solution, plus saving me a couple hundred of dollars. Steve had to order a special part that was hard to find for that year and make of SUV and refused the part when it came several times due to imperfections. With this Steve would call and keep me updated. This totally earned my respect and confidence as Steve could have just thrown the part on and let me go, but he did not. Steve made sure the job was done right and tried to save me money! I feel safe driving my Honda Pilot and thank God it is driving well. For general maintenance and major repairs, I 110% recommend Steve and his crew at Vehicle Masters!!!
Totally professional. Steve and crew do a great job. If you have and old school vehicle. This is where u go. You get what you pay for.
They are very friendly and helpful, it’s affordable prices also
They checked my car problems when i came to change oil only for free
They checked my car problems when i came to change oil only for free
I met Steve he diagnosed my issue and promptly repaired a exhaust clamp. I was in and out less than 30 minutes. Very fair pricing with exceptional service, I will return in the future and recommend. 7/18/23
Overall experience was great, went to get my flex pipe fixed and they even showed me what would need to be done and the different price ranges depending on how hard the job would be. Manager and employees very nice, would recommend to anyone looking for a good place to have there car looked at.
Steve is so detailed-oriented and will make sure to figure out the problem with your vehicle! He’s very thorough and knows what he’s talking about and I have full trust in him that he will make my car go the distance!
After taking my car to the dealership and then having an issue just 2 days later, Steve was able to diagnose the issue, and even gave me suggestions on what to do for my next visit to keep my car running for as long as I can!
Essentially, Steve is the only mechanic I trust! My mom and dad also go to him as well!
After taking my car to the dealership and then having an issue just 2 days later, Steve was able to diagnose the issue, and even gave me suggestions on what to do for my next visit to keep my car running for as long as I can!
Essentially, Steve is the only mechanic I trust! My mom and dad also go to him as well!
Steve assessed and completed a safety inspection on my vehicle and discovered a problem that needed immediate attention. My vehicle is heavily modified and he took extra care to fix the issue. Steve was very professional and knowledgeable about my specific twin turbo setup. Thank you! I would definitely recommend their services!
Great business wedding long for the repairs very comfortable facility and work on. My vehicle was done in a time be fashion and to the best standards. I feel they could complete a job well done guys. I'll see you soon for the next repairs.
I had a great experience at Vehicle masters! Steve was incredibly thorough and got my car diagnosed properly. I had an oil leak repaired and diagnostic testing on a battery light. Now my car is up and running smoothly again! They have very fair pricing and made no attempts to overcharge. In fact, when some of the work took less time than anticipated he informed me and charged the proper rate. Nothing like a great and honest mechanic!! Thanks Vehicle Masters!!
I was very impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and service at Vehicle Masters. Steve provided me with thorough updates and information and was always considerate of the price for us. I am very excited to have found a reliable place that I can trust.
I have had all of my vehicles serviced and repaired for over the last 25 years going back to when he ran the shop as a Merlin's. He and his team have always done great work and have always charged very reasonable prices for the work. They also always explain and show you what is wrong with your vehicle, bringing you into the shop to see the problem with your own eyes.
I contacted Steve to perform a PPI on a used vehicle in the Oak Forest area, as I am an out of town customer and to say he was generous with his time is an understatement. He and his team were extremely gracious and they provided me with the comfort and confidence I needed in order to make an out of state purchase. Additionally, he did it at no cost. I would recommend Steve to anyone looking for an honest automotive repair shop. Professionalism to the max. Thank you Steve and team!
I highly recommend this shop. They do everything your vehicle needs to run like new. Very fast, very honest as the owner tells you everything that he's doing and how every penny is spent ..as well as break down the details of the repairs and the best possible way to repair the vehicle.. Love this place!!!
I had a screw in my tire causing a slow leak. I went to two shop on 159th, Firestone and Sams Club. They both said they were closing come back tomorrow. I kept riding down 159the and noticed the lights on in the shop. The owner, Steve was there cleaning, even though he was closed, he stop and checked my tire found the nail. He went ahead and plugged my tire no charge. Steve is a good guy. I will be going back soon for my oil change. Small business are the best businesses.
My dad has been taking our family's cars here for as long as I can remember and we always come back for great, and friendly service. I took my car in for the first time by myself and, although the name changed from Merlins to Vehicle Masters, hearing the owner Steve answer the phone was an immediate reassurance, knowing I would get straightforward, honest, reasonably priced, friendly, and good care. My car is very old and probably shouldn't last as long as it has- I know I owe Vehicle Masters great care for that!
Taken in for everything from my alignment//breaks, to fixing the latch on my hood!
Taken in for everything from my alignment//breaks, to fixing the latch on my hood!
A+ customer service. Steve made sure to communicate with me regularly in regards to what was going on with my vehicle. He addressed every concern and if there were any other concerns, he made note of everything and made sure my vehicle was taken care of. I will definitely bring my vehicle back here and recommend Vehicle Masters to my friends and family for service.
Excellent. Very happy. My son’s car didn’t start. It just made clicking sounds. I did have a charger at home and charged up the battery enough to get it started. I really couldn’t be sure if maybe my son left the lights on and accidentally drained the battery is 1 year old or if the alternator wasn’t charging the battery. I did call a place closer to my house but that guy was just trying to sell me a battery without even looking at the car. I called Vehicle Masters and Steve said he would check the batter and test the alternator. Vehicle Masters got me in the same day, tested everything, fully charged my son’s car battery. End result was my son probably just left his lights on and he is not in danger of getting stuck somewhere without the car starting. They didn’t even change me a diagnostic fee. They were very accommodating. Seems like they want to develop long-term customers.
This establishment is located within the heart of the south suburbs. The environment is clean, the staff is friendly and they provide excellent service to the customer for reasonable prices. The owner Steve is honest and will do everything possible to ensure quality work as well as customer satisfaction. I recommend anyone in need of auto body service to stop by here. You will not be disappointed.
Steve went above and beyond to help me with a dinky little job bending an exhaust pipe - it was probably more of a hassle for him than anything, but he really went out of his way to accommodate me for such a small thing. Steve is the kind of mechanic that's really hard to come by - he's good at what he does and isn't out to rip you off. So much in fact he didn't even ask me for any money for helping me out (but don't worry, i know it's not charity work). Only reason i mention that is because it speaks volumes about his character. Super pleased with the service - would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Steve!
Called ten places for help with diagnostic testing - everyone was three days out to help. The owner here was very helpful in trying to determine if this is a simple fix or something more complicated. He was very accommodating and didn't hit me with a $175 fee just to walk in the door. I appreciate his business ethic a lot!!! Great A++++ service. Super fast and very fair with pricing! It was a simple fix for $80 and the other places around here wanted to charge me $100-$200 just to tell me what the problem was. He said let’s rule out the simplest possibilities first. He has my business in the future!!! I highly recommend them for your car repairs.
Lifted my jeep Wrangler 4in in the front and a 3/25in in the rear causing a squat affect..
They did a great job had a few problems but the owner took care of it in a timely manner...
They did a great job had a few problems but the owner took care of it in a timely manner...
Have always been very straight forward, fair priced, and eager to get my truck back to me as soon as they can. Have not had to return for any issues they have addressed.
I had a great experience. They fixed my car out quickly and even some problems I wasn't aware off. They provided quick and wonderful service.
Had my fourth vehicle exhaust done by Vehicle Masters(Merlins) Excellent job
Thanks Steven
Thanks Steven
Great guys! They do great dependable work, honest and always helpful and willing to go that extra mile to help.
My family and I have been getting auto repair work done with Steve and his team for over ten years, and every experience has been nothing but professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Over the years, we have had repairs done on nearly every part of our cars and the team at Vehicle Masters has always been up to the task. I trust Steve to give me an honest assessment, and to do a high quality job with all repairs. I cannot recommend them enough!
We have been bringing our cars here for the last six years or so. Sometimes we are visiting more often than we would like for various issues, but dealing w/ Steve and team is always a pleasant experience. They are everything you want out of a mechanic - honest, reasonable, reliable. Steve always takes his time to explain in detail what needs to be done to your car, when, and why. This last time, I mainly dealt with Shin, who also took his time to explain everything going on. As someone trying to get every last mile out of their car, I'm glad they are around. Highly recommend!
I highly recommend this shop quality work by honest people Dave is the man for the job
Great business! Very professional, thoughtful, and they make sure you are completely satisfied with the work throughout the process.
First visit after the change over and my experience is starkly different. Much more amenable to discussions and alternative options. Going back shortly to get secondary work done, looking forward to it.
Went here to get my Highlander’s drivers side window fixed towards the time they were closing but they still squeezed us in. Excellent customer service! I am definitely coming back 🙂
Went to get my car serviced & was done in less than an hour!! Parts were the original but new parts for my truck!!! Definitely will be going to them for anything else needed!!! Highly recommended!!!
The crew at Vehicle Masters is very knowledgeable and trustworthy with my auto repairs and brakes. They are great mechanics that work on all types of cool cars but also work on regular daily driver vehicles and trucks. I would recommend these local mechanics to anyone looking for a solid, trustworthy service for vehicle maintenance and repairs in Oak Forest. Thanks STEVE!
Good job. Great folks. Straight shooters, reasonably priced, same folks(owner) for decades. I'll definitely be back. Polite, friendly and professional 👍👏💯
I have been going to Vehicle Masters Performance Center (old Merlin's) in Oak Forest since I was 21 (I am almost 49 now). Steve is the most polite and thorough mechanic and owner I know. Everyone talks about staying local and keeping our small businesses open, etc well this is definitely one that is a staple of the town of Oak Forest. Highly recommend coming here first and save yourself time shopping around for the right place. This is it! I won't go anywhere else.
VEHICLE MASTERS
PERFORMANCE CENTER
Read our reviews and experience
the best for yourself while
supporting a locally owned business!
6012 W. 159th Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
708-687-9955
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We offer competitive pricing for new customers.
