After you’ve owned a car for a few years, the muffler may be in need of minor repair. It might be damaged by impact with debris on the road or could fall victim to the corrosive effects of rust. A small hole in the muffler can be repaired using muffler tape. This tape is designed to bond to the metal muffler using heat from the exhaust. It is important to seal any holes in your muffler as soon as possible because exhaust leaks are harmful to the environment, noisy and can allow fumes to contaminate the passenger cabin. This repair project is straightforward and requires only a few tools.
Things You’ll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Shop cloth
- Soap and water mix
- Muffler tape
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Raise the rear of the vehicle with the floor jack and position the jack stands under the jacking points on each side of the car. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and leave the floor jack in place for later use.
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Locate the muffler on your vehicle — it is the oval-shaped can at the rear of the exhaust pipes. Visually inspect the muffler and locate the hole.
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Wipe the entire muffler clean, using a shop rag with a soap and water mix. Allow the muffler to air dry thoroughly.
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Pull the paper backing from the muffler tape and start wrapping the muffler a few inches from the hole. Overlap the tape about one inch each time around the muffler.
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Continue wrapping until the hole is completely covered and the muffler tape extends one inch beyond the hole on the other side.
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Lift the rear of the vehicle off of the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Pull the floor jack out from under the vehicle.
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Start the engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes to bond the tape to the muffler.
Tips & Warnings
- If the temperature outdoors is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, allow the vehicle to run until the muffler is warm to the touch before installing the tape.
- Always check your state and local emission laws for the legality of using muffler tape as a permanent repair.