can chimmy tape be use on a car exhaust

[MacCora]

No, standard chimney tape (often misspelled as "chimmy tape") should not be used to repair a car exhaust. While both are designed for high temperatures, chimney tape is typically rated for temperatures around 400-500°F (204-260°C), which is insufficient for the extreme heat generated by a car's exhaust system. Exhaust gases can easily exceed 1200°F (649°C) near the engine's manifold, and even at the tailpipe, temperatures often remain around 300-500°F (149-260°C). Using the wrong tape is a significant fire hazard and will lead to immediate failure.

The primary issue is the temperature rating mismatch. Automotive exhaust systems require specialized repair products. The correct solution is exhaust wrap or exhaust repair tape, which is made from fiberglass or silica and can withstand continuous temperatures over 2000°F (1093°C). These products are designed to contain heat within the exhaust, which can slightly improve performance by reducing under-hood temperatures.

For a temporary fix on a small hole, a proper exhaust repair clamp and sealant is a much safer and more reliable option. These clamps are metal and use a high-temperature paste to seal the leak. However, it's crucial to understand that any repair on a compromised exhaust system should be considered temporary. A leaking exhaust can allow dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas to enter the passenger cabin, posing a serious health risk. The only permanent and safe solution is to have the exhaust pipe professionally welded or replaced by a mechanic.

Product Type	Max Continuous Temp Rating	Common Material	Primary Use	Suitability for Exhaust
Standard Chimney Tape	~500°F (260°C)	Aluminum Foil	Chimney flue joints	Poor - Fire Risk
Automotive Exhaust Tape	1200°F+ (649°C+)	Fiberglass/Graphite	Minor exhaust leaks	Good (Temporary)
Exhaust Wrap	2000°F+ (1093°C+)	Fiberglass/Silica	Header/Manifold insulation	Excellent
Exhaust Repair Clamp	N/A (Metal)	Steel Clamp + Paste	Pinhole leaks/cracks	Good (Temporary)

[HeidiRose]

Trust me, you don't want to risk it. That tape might work for a dryer vent, but your exhaust gets way hotter. It'll just burn up, stink, and probably make the problem worse. It's not worth the chance of a fire or that nasty smell melting plastic makes. Just get the right stuff from an auto parts store—it's labeled specifically for exhausts and costs about the same.

[LeoMarie]

As a temporary roadside emergency fix to get you to a shop, a high-quality exhaust-specific tape might hold for a very short time on a pinhole leak toward the rear of the system. But it's a gamble. The real danger isn't just the tape failing; it's carbon monoxide seeping into your car if the leak is farther forward. For safety, the best move is to call for a tow. The cost of a proper repair is always cheaper than a hospital bill.