How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Exhaust Welded?

There is always more than one way to modify or fix a vehicle. This applies when you’re dealing with a car’s exhaust as well. Take your vehicle to a muffler shop to get a new exhaust, and you’ll find out that you can attach it by clamping it or by welding it.

Welding is usually the option that most people tend to go with. Experts will tell you that it is a more durable choice of paths in this case.

Welding an exhaust isn’t cheap, though. Replacing one can cost from $75 to ten times as much. Repairs are more affordable and will set you back at an average of $138.

Mechanic At Work Welding

But there’s a lot more that you should know about car exhausts, the process duration, the effects of driving with a damaged one, the symptoms of a bad exhaust, and the choice between a clamped and welded exhaust. All of these are important to know.

The following shows you all you need to know about getting an exhaust welded:

How Long Does It Take to Weld Exhaust Pipe?

There’s no fixed time to weld an exhaust pipe. Ideally, if everything goes smoothly, it can take around half an hour to get the job done.

However, the weld has to dry as well before you can use the vehicle. You can expect this process to take from 2 to 4 hours.

Where Can You Get Your Car Exhaust Welded?

Anyone with the basic know-how of welding and TIG systems can weld their exhaust. However, it is recommended that you go to an automotive technician or, even better, a muffler shop.

The process is complex, and if you do it wrong, you can ruin the exhaust by making unwanted holes.

Can You Drive a Car with A Hole in The Exhaust?

Not for long. A hole in the exhaust will make your vehicle noisier. This can disturb the peace of mind and livability in residential areas.

Since it has become part of noise pollution, it is considered illegal. A loud exhaust can get you pulled over and a possible fine.

But getting a ticket will be the least of your problems in this case. Exhausts are a vital part of the vehicle’s emission-control system.

The car will start polluting the surroundings, and its emissions will be more harmful.

An exhaust leak will also affect your car’s performance. You can expect the vehicle to become slower as it will become less powerful.

Furthermore, the car will become less fuel-efficient, resulting in higher fuel bills for you.

The lambda sensor won’t work when the car starts consuming more, causing a Check Engine Light. You’ll also be getting a lot of pungent smells along with a burning smell from the engine.

If you keep driving with a hole in the exhaust, the hole may get bigger, amplifying all of the issues above.

What Does a Hole in The Exhaust Sound Like?

Unpleasant is an easy answer for this. The exhaust will get a lot louder and with a lower pitch sound. Some of my customers describe the sound as a lawn mower.

You’ll be hearing a lot more rumbling noises, which are directly proportional to the size of the exhaust hole. Even the engine will become noisier, causing a hissing sound.

How Can I Fix My Exhaust Without Welding?

Welding is not an option for everyone. As mentioned above, an unskilled welder can damage the exhaust and the car.

If you have experience with welding, you need a particular set of tools. If those aren’t available, the next best thing is to bolt the exhaust to the vehicle.

Is It Better to Weld or Clamp Exhaust?

Both processes have their pros and cons, so there’s no clear answer. It can be said that a welded exhaust will last longer than a clamped one.

This is because welding can add an extra support layer that you don’t get with a bolted exhaust. Also, it will prevent exhaust leakage in the future.

But then again, welding is a skill that you must master before attempting an exhaust weld. Otherwise, you can ruin your exhaust and injure yourself.

You also need special equipment, which can be costly. So, exhaust welding isn’t an option for everyone. It also isn’t available in every autobody shop.

In contrast, clamping is easier and can be done by most people. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t need equipment and skills for it. You need to jack up your vehicle right for safety reasons. You also need to lower it slowly and safely.

In both cases, it is recommended that you get the job done using professionals.

Does A Broken Exhaust Affect Acceleration?

In simple words, yes. For your vehicle to perform at its best, all the components need to be in working condition.

A broken exhaust can reduce your vehicle’s performance. Broken exhausts will leak, leading to a loss of back pressure.

A loss of back pressure will decrease the overall power of the vehicle. This means that it won’t be able to handle the loads that come with driving it. Therefore, the car will become slower, and it won’t accelerate the way you want it to.

Conclusion

I hope that this article will clear up a lot about welding an exhaust. There’s no doubt that you should never drive with a broken exhaust, as it can reduce performance and increase emissions.

Driving around with a ruined exhaust can also land you in trouble with the law.

It is also imperative that you’re able to tell the difference between welded and clamped exhausts; their pros and cons.

The exhaust is an important component of your car that should be in working condition.

Make sure to maintain yours.

Sources

Should My Muffler Be Bolted or Welded?

California Vehicle Exhaust Noise Laws