405 S Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL · Mon–Thu 8–5 · Fri 8–2 5.0 on Google · 32 reviews
Superior Auto
& OffroadLakeland, FL
Engine bay with performance exhaust headers

Exhaust repair · Lakeland & Surrounding Area

Exhaust & muffler repair

Mufflers, catalytic converters and custom exhaust, fixed right and built to last.

Fixes, replacements and performance sound

Quiet, safe and efficient

A loud exhaust, an unusual rattle or exhaust fumes inside the vehicle can point to a leak or damaged component. Superior Auto & Offroad provides exhaust and muffler repair for daily drivers, work vehicles, trucks, Jeeps and SUVs.

We inspect the complete system, explain what we find, and recommend the repair that best fits your vehicle, your safety and your goals, including custom performance exhaust.

What we handle

  • Muffler & pipe replacement
  • Exhaust leak diagnosis
  • Catalytic converter service
  • Custom performance exhaust

Reviews

What our customers say

5.0 on Google from 32 reviews

Angeleca Dean
★★★★★
“I wish I could give them more than 5 ⭐️ I cannot say enough good things about this company. Lawton and Tiffany are the best! While their specialty is working and doing custom builds on Jeeps, they sure do know there way around other vehicles as well. I brought in my 2010 Subaru for a once over, they were very up front with what I needed and didn’t try to just make a quick buck off me. They are very thorough. They always kept me updated on the process of my repairs and answered any question I had. I will bring any vehicle I have in the future to them. In a world where companies try to rip people off, it’s a breath of fresh air to find a family owned business where they test you like family! THANKS AGAIN LAWTON AND TIFFANY!”
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MacKenzie Price
★★★★★
“Superior helped us with an oil cooler repair & spark plug replacement that a dealership was trying to charge us a fortune for. Fair prices, quality work, and excellent communication. I have been recommending them to anyone who needs something done!!”
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Dustin C
★★★★★
“Best in the business! These guys are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to Jeeps, but they do top-notch work on all cars and trucks too. Honest, skilled, and fast—highly recommend!”
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Chris Jordan
★★★★★
“Definitely take your Jeep or any vehicle for that fact here. They are very dedicated to make sure your vehicle is fixed and fixed correctly. They are great giving updates everyday and if you have any questions they will clearly explain or even put your vehicle up on the lift and walk you through what’s going on.”
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Tara Compton
★★★★★
“Honest and quality work! Lawton and his crew go above and beyond for their customers! Highly recommend for all your mechanical and tire needs!”
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John Crane
★★★★★
“About a month ago, my new to me Wrangler JLU developed a true death wobble. I called multiple shops, and was feeling defeated, then reached out to Superior. With Lawton and the team at Superior Auto & Offroad. They diagnosed my Jeep's death wobble the right way instead of just throwing parts at it. Lawton took the time to test drive it, explain exactly what was wrong, and only recommended what actually needed to be fixed. Fair pricing, honest advice, and excellent workmanship. My Wrangler has since completed a 4-day road trip and multiple trails without a single issue. They've earned my business for the long haul. Highly recommend.”
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Heather Jordan
★★★★★
“The entire crew at Superior Offroad was incredible to work with. Their professionalism, communication, and commitment to surpassing their customer’s expectations is second to none. I met with multiple shops during the research phase of my upgrades, and none went above and beyond to help me find exactly what I wanted for my Jeep like Lawton and Tiff did. The work was thorough, on time, and very fairly and competitively priced. This shop is 100% worth the hour+ drive I make from south Tampa, and I would highly recommend Superior Offroad to anyone thinking of upgrades or service to their vehicle.”
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Ron Duncan
★★★★★
“If you’re looking for a shop that does great work without any BS or upselling, this is the place. Lawton and his crew are knowledgeable, honest, and highly skilled. They take the time to actually inspect your vehicle and find the real …”
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Marcos DeMoura
★★★★★
“It’s in the name. Superior knowledge on how to build your Jeep to real off-roading capabilities. They’ll do mall crawlers and pavement princesses too but there’s plenty of other shops out there that that’s all they’re good for. Well, not really, you’ll end up having to go to Superior to fix their mistakes. Lol. Also, great at diagnosing engine issues and all things suspension/steering. The best in the Tampa/central Florida area bar none. Don’t waste your time or $ anywhere else.”
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Jen Green
★★★★★
“I had to have my jeep towed to their shop on a weekend. Their team contacted me early Monday and kept me updated on the diagnostics. Within less than a week, they completed not only a ton of front end work we had already planned on, but …”
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Phore
★★★★★
“By far the best I have ever been to, the most honest, up front, doesn't beat around the bush kinda place. The only shop that will touch our Jeep and Grandpa Truck”
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Chris Cerrato
★★★★★
“Superior Offroad is a great shop they diagnosed a few issues my Jeep was having right before a big trip out west and got me up and running just in time not to miss out.”
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Jonathon Ax
★★★★★
“I can’t say enough great things about Superior Off-Road! They took my Jeep to the next level by installing a lift and adding some beastly 42-inch tires. Not only does it look absolutely amazing, but the ride is smoother and more capable than ever. They also went above and beyond with their service and made sure everything was perfect. If you’re looking to upgrade your off-road vehicle, these are the folks to trust. Thanks again, Superior Off-Road!”
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musica mater
★★★★★
“A remarkable asset to the greater Lakeland area. Worth driving for. It’s incredibly reassuring to have a place where I can drop my rig off and not worry or be anxious. This guy and his team, they know their stuff. They also always give it …”
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Mightie
★★★★★
“Excellent quality of work every time I need something done to my Jeep. Prices are extremely competitive.”
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David Enfinger
★★★★★
“Lawton is always professional and takes care of your ride as if it is his. Definitely recommend him for all your 4 wheeling needs!”
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Cj Calderwood
★★★★★
“I have a 2009 Jeep Wrangler two-door JK 3.8 and was looking for a quality repair shop that I can trust to replace my clutch and upgrade my transfer case to the Rubicon 4:1 transfer case. I stopped into superior off-road customs in …”
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Zachary Zolna
★★★★★
“I had superior auto and offroad balance my new beadlocks wheels and tires and did a great job. No vibration going down the road. The jeep drives very smoothly. Also, Lawton pointed out that I had the wrong shocks on my TJ and I ordered the …”
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Services

Exhaust & muffler services

Muffler & pipe replacement

When rust, impact damage or broken welds let exhaust escape, we replace the damaged muffler, resonator or pipe section with quality parts that meet or exceed OE standards. We check hangers and clamps at the same time so the system stays supported and doesn’t rattle against the body or frame.

Exhaust leak diagnosis

We inspect the system on a lift, look for soot trails, cracks and failed gaskets, and listen for the tick or hiss that points to a leak. Fixing leaks restores quieter operation and keeps fumes out of the cabin, and it matters for engine performance when the leak sits ahead of an oxygen sensor.

Catalytic converter service

Catalytic converters are emissions components that can clog, rattle or lose efficiency. We read codes, review oxygen sensor data and check for engine problems that can damage a converter, such as misfires, before recommending replacement, so you understand both the failure and what caused it.

Custom performance exhaust

We help you choose an aftermarket cat-back or axle-back system for the sound and performance you want, then install it with careful fitment and routing. We explain how each option sounds inside the cabin and at highway speed, and on lifted trucks and Jeeps we route pipes to clear driveshafts and suspension travel.

Warning signs

Signs your exhaust system needs repair

  • Louder engine noise than usual
  • Ticking, rattling or hissing sounds
  • An exhaust smell, especially inside the cabin
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Check engine light from emissions sensors

If you smell exhaust inside the vehicle, avoid driving it and call the shop for guidance.

Vehicle being inspected for exhaust leaks

Why Superior

Why choose us for exhaust work

Performance know-how

We understand how exhaust affects horsepower and torque.

Precision installation

Careful welding and installation for reliable, long-term repairs.

Honest recommendations

We only recommend the repairs you need.

How we inspect your exhaust system

An exhaust leak isn’t always where the noise seems to come from. We put the vehicle on a lift and inspect the full system, from the exhaust manifold or headers back to the tailpipe, including gaskets, flex pipes, the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, the muffler, hangers and heat shields. We look for soot trails, rust holes, cracked welds and broken hangers that let parts sag or touch the body.

If the check engine light is on, we read the codes and check oxygen sensor data, since a leak ahead of a sensor can affect its readings and how the engine runs. Once we know what’s wrong, we explain whether a section can be repaired or should be replaced, which quality parts that meet or exceed OE standards are available, and what the repair involves before any work begins.

Why Florida is hard on exhaust systems

Exhaust parts live underneath your vehicle, where they take the brunt of road water, humidity and grit. Short trips are especially rough, because the system may not get hot enough to drive off the moisture that condenses inside it, and that water helps rust mufflers and pipes from the inside out. Vehicles that visit the coast, beaches or boat ramps also face salt exposure.

Dirt roads, high curbs, parking stops and trail obstacles can dent or crush pipes and tear hangers loose. On lifted trucks and Jeeps, raising the vehicle changes the clearance around the driveshafts and axles, so the exhaust may need rerouting or adjustment. A rattle from a loose heat shield sounds minor, but a shield that falls off no longer protects nearby parts and the floor from heat.

When an exhaust problem is urgent

Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which has no color or smell, so the odor of exhaust is your warning that fumes are getting in. If you notice exhaust in the cabin, or feel drowsy or get a headache while driving, open the windows, get off the road safely and call us. A leak near the front of the system, under the passenger compartment, deserves prompt attention even before you smell anything.

Other problems can be scheduled but shouldn’t be ignored. A small leak at a gasket or flange tends to grow, and a failing catalytic converter can cause a rattle, a sulfur smell, sluggish acceleration or a check engine light. Catalytic converters are emissions components, and they often fail because of an engine problem such as misfires or oil burning, so we look for the cause before installing a new one.

FAQ

Exhaust repair FAQs

What are the signs of an exhaust leak?

Louder engine noise, ticking or rattling, an exhaust smell, reduced fuel economy or a check engine light.

Can a muffler be repaired, or does it need replacing?

It depends on where the damage is and how bad it is. We inspect first and explain which option offers better long-term value.

Do you install custom exhaust systems?

Yes. We can discuss sound, performance, routing and component options for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and other vehicles.

How soon should I have an exhaust smell checked?

As soon as possible. Avoid driving if fumes are entering the cabin, and call the shop.

Why does my vehicle smell like rotten eggs?

A sulfur or rotten-egg smell often points to the catalytic converter, which can overheat or stop working properly when the engine runs rich or misfires. It can also come from other sources, such as an overcharging battery. We check the engine, charging system and exhaust together to find the real cause before recommending a new converter.

Can an exhaust leak affect fuel economy or engine performance?

It can. A leak ahead of an oxygen sensor can let outside air skew that sensor’s readings, so the engine computer adjusts fuel delivery based on bad data. That can lead to rough running, lower fuel economy and a check engine light. Leaks farther back mostly affect noise and fumes, but they still need attention.

Why does my exhaust rattle when I start the engine?

A rattle at startup or at certain engine speeds often comes from a loose heat shield, a broken hanger or clamp, or a damaged catalytic converter with loose material inside. Some of these are simple fixes and some aren’t, so we inspect the system on a lift to find the source and explain your options.

Service area

Serving Lakeland and the surrounding area

Exhaust problems show up on every kind of vehicle, from commuter sedans heading into Tampa to work trucks running between Bartow and Mulberry and lifted rigs out of Kathleen or Winter Haven. Sandy roads, summer storms and short trips all wear on pipes and mufflers. If your vehicle has gotten louder or you smell fumes, our shop on S Lake Parker Ave can inspect it. Book online with live appointment times.

  • Lakeland
  • Tampa
  • Plant City
  • Winter Haven
  • Auburndale
  • Bartow
  • Mulberry
  • Haines City
  • Lake Wales
  • Polk County
Superior Auto & Offroad
405 S Lake Parker Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
863-445-4596
Monday – Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
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Book your service today

Tell us what your vehicle needs. We will follow up to confirm a time, usually within one business day.

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