Are you currently suffering from a vehicle exhaust leak? Or are you looking out for a friend who is having this kind of problem? Are you on a tight budget but are definitely in need for a repair or replacement? If your answer to all three questions is a resounding yes, well then you have visited the right page.
First things first: the monetary concerns. How much does it cost to fix an exhaust leak?
The good news is that it will not cost you a ton to have an exhaust leak fixed, especially if you get good deals either from your trusted mechanic or from your chosen auto repair shop.
On average, the cost to repair exhaust leak only amounts to a starting price of $130 and could go up to as high as $400. This price range may vary depending on different factors, though. Such factors to consider when preparing your budget include the type or model of the car and your location (in case you want or need to have it fixed through a home service).
Also, take note that this exhaust leak repair cost range is already inclusive of both the auto parts fees and the labor fees. As per a breakdown, the auto parts (all individual components put together) will cost you only $12 to around $55 on a good estimate. Meanwhile, for the labor fees, you should expect to pay around $120 to $325.
Factors to Consider For The Repair or Replacement
In addition, you have to know that repairing or replacing an exhaust leak is relatively easier to do. It will only take a professional around two to three hours to finish the job. Consequently, the rates of the mechanic you will hire will be fairly lower.
The labor fees can also vary depending on the payment terms and conditions that the auto repair shop have set. Some store owners charge a fixed labor cost regardless of how long it will take the mechanic to finish the repair. However, some would charge by the hour. With the latter, you would, of course, hope that the degree of damage is not so bad and would not take too long to fix.
How Does an Auto Exhaust System Work?
In a nut shell, a car’s exhaust system functions when it “carries away the gases created when the fuel and air are burned in the combustion chamber.” This is a function definition stated in an article by autoeducation.com. So basically, the function of the exhaust is to keep the driver, the passengers, and the environment safe and healthy because it helps release all the unwanted and harmful gases out of the car.
Remember that this gas release can be caused by unnecessary fluid leaks. These leaks affect the over-all performance if an engine and may cause the bigger systems of the vehicle to fail entirely.
You should know that when we say exhaust, this does not mean you are dealing with only one auto part, but with several ones; it is an entire system of interconnected parts. There is the exhaust pipe, the exhaust manifold, the oxygen sensor, the catalytic converter, and the muffler. Each has its own function that contributes to the carrying away of gases.
One of the worst problems that an exhaust encounters aside from the leak is the rust. Rust is formed from the moisture that comes from the catalytic converter. It is inevitable but can be fixed through regular check-ups.
For the exhaust manifold specifically, there will be two options. Depending on the extent of the damage, it will either need a quick repair for the pipes or a more extensive assembly of cast iron manifold.
It is necessary for every car owner to have their exhaust checked for maintenance so as to interfere with possible future damages. Of course you should expect that no matter how religiously you visit your mechanic, the age of your auto parts and the frequency of use may still cause wear and tear. However, a regular check up can still buy you some more time.
Where to Repair or Replace?
If in case you are planning to do the repair on your own, you will need to have the basic mechanic tools and some reliable step-by-step guide. There are a number of auto repair shops that can fix your exhaust leak problems quickly. If you are after a solution that will save you time and effort, you can always visit these shops or call them up for a home service. Most of them have hotlines posted on their respective websites.
Your Mechanic is currently offering a 12-month and 12,000-mile warranty for most of their services. Particularly for their stores, the cost to repair exhaust leak starts from $120 and can go up to $250. This price is inclusive of both the parts and the labor fees.
Specifically for their home service, they charge a little higher than usual, but this still depends on the customer’s location.
If you want to save a few pennies for an exhaust leak repair cost, Pep Boys can provide good deals for the parts you will need for your DIY. For a fair 6-month warranty, the parts are offered from $135 to $350. This depends on which part of the exhaust system and which brand you are looking for.
Currently and until the holiday season lasts, Pep Boys is also offering a 10% discount for all auto parts and accessories ordered online. So to add up to your convenience of web shopping, you may want to avail of this promo to save up.
So how much does it cost to fix an exhaust leak? Check out these options and choose the best one that works for your budget.