How Much Does A Car Exhaust Repair and Replacement Cost in the UK?

The exhaust system of a vehicle helps to reduce noise from the engine and removes harmful gases from the engine. An exhaust system is made up of a series of metal pipes that connect the engine to the silencer and tailpipe. The system is responsible for directing fumes away from the engine and out of the car.

How much does it cost to replace an exhaust?

The average cost of replacing a faulty exhaust pipe can range from under £100 to over £500. However, the exhaust system has many individual parts to it which means the cost can change depending on what other repairs are needed. For example, if it is an exhaust manifold replacement, costs can start from £150 and can even cost up to £1000. The exact price of an exhaust repair or replacement depends largely on your car and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends as well as the exact type of repairs needed.

An exhaust repair and replacement job can include one or more of the following elements: EGR valve replacement, catalytic converter replacement, diesel particulate filter (DPF) replacement, lambda sensor replacement, NOx sensor replacement or oxygen sensor replacement, exhaust pipe replacement, exhaust manifold replacement, etc.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of exhaust repairs. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of exhaust repairs and replacements.

Average cost of an exhaust repair and replacement by location

A hole in the exhaust pipe, a leak at the exhaust manifold, or a leak at the gasket where the exhaust pipe meets the catalytic converter are the most common causes of car exhaust leaks. If you think you have an exhaust leak, the best thing to do is take the car to a mechanic and have them check it out.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for an exhaust repair and replacement, we use real-time data from thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for exhaust repair and replacements and various exhaust system part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for an exhaust replacement for your car.

Average cost of an exhaust repair and replacement by manufacturer

Signs your exhaust needs to be replaced

• Loud engine/ exhaust noise
• Poor or decreased fuel efficiency
• Visible damage (on catalytic converter for example)
• Smell of fumes from exhaust
• Rattling noise from exhaust
• Strange odours in the cabin
• Failed emissions test during MOT
• Check engine light on
  
  

Loud engine noise

Your vehicle's engine is louder than usual - this could point toward an issue with the silencer or corroded pipework

Decreased fuel efficiency

You notice a decrease in fuel efficiency - this can happen due to an issue with the engine or fuel system but also with components of the exhaust system

Visible damage

There is visible damage to the exhaust system or you can hear rattling or sudden extreme noise - for example, catalytic converter thefts are a common occurrence due to the high demand for the metals found within the part

Smell of fumes

You can smell exhaust fumes inside the vehicle - which could mean that there is a leak somewhere in the exhaust system.

Frequently asked questions about exhaust repair cost

Why is there smoke coming out from my exhaust?

Depending on the colour of the smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe, it can help narrow down a specific issue. For example, blackish smoke can mean an issue with the fuel injector or the air filter and white smoke can mean a coolant leak. A qualified mechanic will be able to further diagnose the problems and inspect the affected parts to fix the issue.

Is it safe to drive with a missing catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts toxic pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less dangerous substances. While you can technically still drive the car without one as a car does not need a catalytic converter to run, it is illegal to drive with a missing catalytic converter as it would mean the vehicle is emitting harmful emissions beyond the permitted standards and you can end up receiving a £1000 fine.

How long does an exhaust repair take?

The time it takes to carry out exhaust system repair depends on the type of repair, extent of damage as well as the make and model of the car. For example, a repair such as an oxygen sensor replacement takes about an hour whereas a catalytic converter replacement can take upto 3 hours.

Can I carry out an exhaust repair myself?

Exhaust-related repairs can be a complex task and require advanced auto repair knowledge and skills along with special tools and equipment.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend exhaust repairs are only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my exhaust system isn’t the problem?

If you’re experiencing exhaust-related issues or fuel efficiency problems then it could be caused due to fuel delivery system malfunctioning, EGR problems, ignition system issues, etc.