Usually, when there is something wrong with our cars, we have a few ways to fix them. The same goes for the exhaust. As statistics claim, although there are cheaper ways to get the problem fixed, welding is the most popular option with US drivers, as it’s a more reliable and durable solution. But how much will you have to pay for that? Read on to find out!
How much to weld exhaust?
Well, that depends on what we’re talking about here: is it minor welding or replacing your exhaust with a new one? Besides, you should always take into consideration the labor rates that may vary depending on the repair shop. On average, minor welding will set you back between $30 and $500. And if you want to replace the old exhaust with a brand-new unit, the low-end cost starts at 75 dollars.
As for the top-notch exhausts, say, the best exhaust for 6.7 Cummins, or any other high-end parts, you may end up paying up to ten times more (750 dollars). But most of the time, 250 – 300 dollars is more than enough for proper welding. That is, of course, if you don’t want to go with a premium exhaust and there is nothing wrong with the rest of the vehicle.
If there’s something wrong with the whole exhaust system, you’ll have to pay something between 1 000 and 2 500 dollars. But let’s hope it won’t come to that.
How do I know if my exhaust has issues?
You can identify different issues by specific signs and signals the car is giving you. Below you’ll find the four most popular signs of a bad exhaust:
Suddenly your car became louder than it was before
If this is what happened to you, take the vehicle to a repair shop and get the exhaust checked. The problem might not be with a bad exhaust, but sometimes, getting the exhaust fixed solves the issue.
Reduced fuel efficiency
As with the loud sounds, reduced fuel efficiency doesn’t necessarily mean there is an issue with the exhaust. It may be because of bad fuel injectors, damaged oxygen sensors, and so on. So, take your car to the nearest auto repair shop to get the right diagnosis.
There is condensation in the exhaust pipes
If there is condensation in the exhaust pipe/pipes, most likely, your muffler is damaged and needs to be fixed or replaced. If you notice this symptom, drive the car to a repair shop ASAP.
Bad Smell
While malfunctioning O2 sensors or fuel injectors could also be a reason for a bad smell, it’s worth checking the exhaust as well.
Conclusion
We recommend against doing the welding on your own, especially if you have little or no experience in that. It’s better to entrust the welding to a professional. Of course, it will cost you more, but in this case, you can rest assured that everything is done the right way and you have nothing to worry about.
