How to Temporarily Fix an Automobile Exhaust Pipe Hole

Professional automobile exhaust work can cost a load of cash, and not everyone has the cash to pay for exhaust work the moment it needs done. Self repair exhaust pipe kits is considerably cheaper, but sometimes even that can be too much for a small budget. Thankfully, that exhaust pipe hole can be fixed with household items to make your vehicle quieter.

It is easy to temporarily fix a hole in a muffler exhaust pipe. You will need two soda pop cans, two large screw clamps, a knife or a pair of tin snips and a screwdriver. I would also recommend using gloves and protective eyewear. Do not do this on a hot vehicle to avoid burns.

Using the knife or tin snips, cut off the top and bottom of both cans and slice open the leftover ring. This should leave you with two aluminum pieces that can be flattened, that is if you wanted to.

Next, loosen the screws on the clamps until the clamps come open. Place the clamps on the exhaust pipe and re-close. Do not tighten at this point!

Place one piece of pop can metal over the hole, wrapping the metal around the pipe. Place the second piece on the pipe, with the middle of it opposite the first. This should be enough layers, but more pop cans should be used if it is a large hole. If the hole is long lengthwise, use extra pieces and one more clamp to be used in the middle.

Slide the clamps onto the metal, one on each end, leaving about one-half inch aluminum on the outer edges. Tighten the clamps.

Start the vehicle and let it run a few minutes until hot. The heat will expand the metal clamps. Retighten the clamps carefully. This should be done a couple of times to ensure that the clamps will not loosen due to bumpy roads.

This home remedy for a hole in the exhaust pipe is not permanent. However, it will last a week or so, and can be replaced or removed easily. Once more the vehicle will be quiet and legal, as far as noise pollution goes. I am not sure if this quick fix will pass a vehicle road inspection, so please try not to get caught in one. However, it is better to quiet down the vehicle then it is to bring attention from law enforcement to yourself and your loud car.