"You can fix practically anything with a roll of duct tape." It's one of those timeworn adages that produces a chuckle. When it comes to repairing your vehicle, it's truer than you might realize. With a few tools, zip ties, and duct tape, you'll be surprised by the small repairs you can perform. These repairs are not meant to be permanent, of course. But if you're on the road and nowhere near a service station or repair garage, they might be sufficient for helping you reach one.
In this article, we'll provide a quick list of five makeshift repairs you can perform in minutes. Each can potentially put your vehicle back on the road.#1 - Broken Exhaust Pipe :
If your car's exhaust pipe unexpectedly breaks or suffers a puncture, you'll likely hear it (it's loud). Fortunately, if you have a couple of strong hose clamps, a pair of scissors, and an aluminum can, you can create an improvised patch. Use the scissors on the can. Cut both ends off and snip the can from top to bottom. Then, position it around the breach in your exhaust pipe and use the clamps to hold it in place.
#2 - Busted Window :
Whether due to vandalism, an errant baseball, or nature, a broken window can be problematic if you're on the road, especially while it's raining. Grab your roll of duct tape and a plastic trash bag (the heavier the material, the better). Use your scissors to cut the bag and place it over the exposed hole. When you cut it, make it larger than the hole, so you can easily cover the entire area. Use the tape to hold it securely in place.
#3 - Dragging Muffler :
Vehicles that roll off the factory floors today are equipped with mufflers designed to withstand corrosion. They're usually built with stainless steel. The problem is, mufflers and their attached exhaust pipes are often held in place by rubber fasteners. Over time, the rubber can deteriorate, causing the fasteners to snap. When this happens, your muffler will drop and drag on the ground.
You can use a normal coat hanger in the place of the plastic fastener to help hold the muffler off the ground. The wire hanger is strong and won't break. As long as you fasten it securely, it can hold your muffler and exhaust pipes in place for years.
#4 - Dead Battery :
If you're driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission, a dead battery usually means you're stranded until someone gives you a jumpstart. This is the reason you should always carry a set of jumper cables in your car's trunk.
With a manual transmission, you might be able to push start it. If you're alone, you'll need to position your car on a decline. If you're traveling with friends, they can give you a push. Here's how it works:
With the key in the ignition, move the gear selector to second gear and put the clutch in. When your vehicle is moving along at a decent speed, let out the clutch. If you're moving fast enough, the engine will turn over and your vehicle will start. This will get you back on the road, so you can drive to an auto supply shop and buy a new battery.
#5 - Bent Antenna :
If your car's antenna becomes bent or broken, you won't be able to receive clear reception for your radio. Fortunately, you may be able to temporarily fix the problem with a coat hanger and duct tape. Twist the coat hanger into the shape of a diamond and connect one end to the bent antenna. If your car's antenna has been completely broken off, stick the end of the coat hanger into the opening from which the antenna normally rises.
The makeshift "repairs" described above are temporary solutions. Even in the case of your muffler - where a coat hanger could hold it in place for years - you should have the problem fixed as soon as possible. These five quick fixes will get you back on the road so you can drive to the nearest service
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