How to Patch an Exhaust Pipe

If you just noticed a sudden increase in volume from your car's exhaust, you probably have had a hole rust through or puncture your exhaust pipe. This hole will affect your vehicles emissions and also continue to make your exhaust louder than usual. The best way to fix this hole is to replace the broken part, but if you need a quick fix a muffler patch is a great temporary solution.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Muffler patch tape
• Vehicle jack
• Jack stands

1. Locate the hole in your exhaust system. If it is not readily visible turn the car on and try looking for the vapor escaping or tracing the louder noise.

2. Purchase a muffler hole repair kit at your local automotive store.

3. Turn off the car and jack it up if necessary to reach the hole.

4. Wrap the muffler tape around the muffler or hole completely and cover the hole totally with several layers of the tape. The tape is self adhesive usually or is activated by the mufflers heat and will keep itself on securely.

Tips & Warnings

• The muffler tape is only a temporary fix and will break in a short amount of time. This is only a quick fix.
• Not meeting certain emissions specifications is illegal in all areas and strictly enforced in many. If your muffler has a hole in it your car will likely not meet an emissions test resulting in fines or jail time.
• Use jack stands to hold a car securely while you are underneath the car.