There's a hole in your muffler and what to do about it.
Learning how to fix a muffler can benefit you over time, as it is pricey to replace this part of your vehicle's exhaust system.There are a few ways you can patch up your muffler without replacing the part entirely.
People want to know how to fix a muffler because of the noise.It is true that a hole in your muffler can give you headaches, but you also need to consider the dangers of leaking exhaust gases.When you are idling in traffic, carbon monoxide can get into your car if there is a hole in the exhaust system.Even if you are just exposed to it a little at a time, the effects of carbon monoxide can be very harmful.Exhaust leaks are an important safety issue and should be considered a nuisance.
The exhaust system gets very hot when you try to fix it.Before you start any work, you need to let your car cool down.When making repairs to mufflers, you have to use materials that are safe because of the extreme heat.It is dangerous to use these materials on your exhaust system.
Specialty products are designed to handle the high-heat environment where your car's muffler operates.A fiberglass patch that wraps around the hole in your exhaust system can be found in a product like a muffler bandage.When exposed to high temperatures, the fiberglass patch cures and bonds to the metal of your exhaust system.
To use a muffler bandage, you just peel back the covering on the patch and wrap it around the hole or split.Don't be alarmed if you see smoke or smell something burning, as that's just the glue curing.
If you're looking for exhaust system parts, you can check them out on NAPA Online or one of our 17,000 auto care locations.Talk to a knowledgeable expert at your local store about how to fix a muffler.
Having been bitten by the car bug at a young age, I spent my formative years surrounded by Studebakers at car shows across Quebec and the northeastern United States.Ten years of racing, restoring, and obsession with automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full time.I write and consult for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, as well as contributing as an editor to several online and print automotive publications.