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How much does a car exhaust cost?
How much will it cost to replace an exhaust system? I just found out I have a leak that needs to be fixed.
Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your car, but if it makes you feel better, exhaust issues naturally occur in older vehicles—it probably wasn’t anything you did.
There are two main types of exhaust systems, the cat-back and the axle-back. Replacing either will cost between $300 to $1,200.
Most cars need an exhaust system repair or replacement after around eight to 10 years. If your car is that old, then your exhaust system may have developed holes (or a leak) due to natural corrosion.
A busted exhaust system might sound like an inconvenience, but it’s actually more dangerous when left untreated. Warning signs of a broken exhaust system include:
- Loud noise: This is the most obvious sign that something’s wrong. A rule of thumb: if your car is suddenly much louder than it’s ever been when you start it up, the exhaust probably needs maintenance.
- Lower MPG: If you’re using more fuel than usual, it may be an indicator that there’s something wrong with your exhaust system. Keeping track of fuel economy might even help you catch a problem before it becomes serious.
- Bad smell: This one is not to be ignored. When functioning properly, your muffler will funnel exhaust fumes away from your car. But if there’s a leak then the fumes may end up inside your car, which is extremely dangerous—and can even be fatal.
Note that your insurance might cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your exhaust issues were due to an accident. However, if you made any
personal modifications
to your car, then insurance does not pay for that—regardless of what caused the damage.Car maintenance can be expensive. Fortunately, you can make room in your budget for unexpected car expenses by saving money on insurance with the
Jerry
app.A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. The average Jerry user saves $879 a year on car insurance.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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