The exhaust systems on modern vehicles are typically reasonably unobtrusive. These unsung heroes keep you safe by dealing with dangerous combustion fumes and protect your ears by reducing the noise of your car's exhaust. Unfortunately, exhaust problems are rarely subtle, and you'll usually know when your muffler isn't functioning as it should.
While a failing muffler isn't nearly as expensive as a blown engine or transmission, it can still be a challenge if you're on a tight budget. However, you shouldn't ignore exhaust issues since they can cause harmful exhaust fumes to enter your car's interior. Instead, consider these three cost-effective options for repairing your car's faulty muffler.
1. Heat Wrap or Muffler Tape
Muffler tape or heat wrap is a product you can find at many auto parts stores. This option is a "quick fix" solution, and these products often utilize resin that cures with heat and hardens. Heat wrap is cheap and relatively easy to install, assuming you can access the underside of your car. Unfortunately, it's often not much better than a temporary fix.
Should You Use It: Muffler tape is an option if you have a break in the pipe that connects to your muffler with sufficient space on each side of the crack for a patch. However, the resin in heat wrap can be dangerous if it gets on your hands, and this fix may only last for a few days, weeks, or months. This option is best only as a temporary fix before permanently addressing the problem.
2. High Heat Epoxy
High heat epoxy is another "over the counter" option. These epoxies typically come in two parts and take a relatively short amount of time to cure. You can use a high-heat epoxy to repair cracks or gaps in a muffler or other exhaust system components, but these products can be challenging to apply, and they may not last for long even if you make a successful repair.
Should You Use It: As with muffler tape, epoxy is a temporary solution at best. Even worse, using these products on your muffler can make it difficult or impossible to repair the part later on correctly. In general, using epoxy is only a good option as a last resort before replacing a muffler.
3. Welding
Welding damaged exhaust components is by far the best option for permanently repairing leaks, cracks, and other issues. While welding requires skill, experience, and equipment, it will restore your exhaust system or muffler to factory condition. More importantly, welded repairs will likely outlast the rest of your exhaust system, making this an option you can trust for the long term.
Should You Use It: If you plan to keep your car for longer than a few weeks or months, a proper repair by an experienced shop is always the best way to go. A technician such as Muffler Man can correctly restore your exhaust system so you can get back to enjoying peace and quiet on your drives.