In addition to the standard hourly or fixed fees, you may also incur some additional expenses when you hire an exhaust pipe technician. Some of these expenses include:
- Towing expenses: In addition to contacting an exhaust pipe technician for a repair, there is always the possibility that your vehicle needs to be towed to the technician's shop. In most cases, you have to pay for the towing service separately. The average cost of towing a vehicle ranges from $2 - $7 per mile.
- Shipping expenses: In addition to hiring an exhaust pipe technician, you may have to purchase damaged parts in your exhaust system. Some of these parts may not be available in your locality, and so you may have to pay for them to be shipped to you.
- Trip fees: When you hire an exhaust pipe technician and the technician has to come to where your vehicle is parked, you may be asked to pay a trip fee, which includes compensation for fuel expenses, and time spent on the road. Trip fees are charged at the rate of $1 - $5 per mile. Note that hiring an exhaust pipe technician near you may reduce the amount you pay as a trip fee.
Most exhaust pipe technicians include all or some of these expenses in the total repair costs, but this does not mean that your exhaust pipe technician cannot decide otherwise. The best way to avoid disputes over how and when these additional costs will be paid is to discuss a payment plan before reaching an agreement with your exhaust pipe technician. Do not allow the technician to start the repair without putting a payment structure in place that is suitable for both of you. It is also a good idea to ask the exhaust pipe technician for receipts for each payment you make. This helps you avoid making the mistake of paying for the same service twice.
Who Will Do the Work?
It is always a terrible idea to leave your exhaust pipe repair in the hands of a technician you do not trust. This is because exhaust pipe repair requires a high level of expertise. When you take your vehicle to an exhaust pipe repair shop, you should always find out who will do the work. Find out if the technician assigned to fix your exhaust pipe is experienced and qualified and do not hesitate to request another technician if you suspect otherwise. It is also important to ask if the technician is certified by a professional body. Certified technicians typically have the knowledge, experience, and technical training required to handle your exhaust pipe repair.
What Qualifications Should an Exhaust Pipe Technician Have?
Exhaust pipe technicians are typically required to have a high school certificate or its educational equivalent and most of them pick up skills through on-the-job learning and training at the hands of more experienced exhaust pipe technicians. However, many exhaust pipe technicians also enroll in postsecondary education programs and complete courses related to automotive repair and servicing like maths, hands-on automotive repair, and electronics. The United States Bureau of Department of Labor estimates that there are over 756, 000 automotive service technicians and mechanics including exhaust pipe technicians in the country.
Will You Provide References?
Due to the significance of the exhaust system to your vehicle, it is always wise to take some necessary steps before hiring an exhaust pipe technician near you. First, you may want to start by asking for referrals on exhaust pipe technicians near you from trusted family, friends, and co-workers. Getting recommendations on exhaust pipe technicians from close contacts reduces your chances of hiring an unqualified individual. However, when an exhaust pipe technician is referred to you, it is always important to ask the technician to provide you with references on past clients and services. You can verify the information by calling the phone numbers provided by the exhaust pipe technician you want to hire. In addition to this, you may also consider hiring an exhaust pipe technician from a reputable professional association. Most of these associations provide relevant information, including the name and location of qualified auto technicians near you. For instance, the Automotive Service Association provides interested parties with access to an online find a registered member business portal to view technicians near you.
Besides referrals and references, you may also find highly rated exhaust pipe technicians on the Better Business Bureau. Also, you may visit other third-party platforms that allow individuals to post reviews about their experience with a technician. Doing this helps you find technicians who have the right profile that you need.
Quick Facts about Automotive Service Technicians and Exhaust Pipe Repairs
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Exhaust Pipe Technicians
Do You Offer Free Exhaust Inspections?
Though many exhaust pipe technicians usually charge a flat rate for exhaust inspection, some exhaust pipe technicians may offer you free exhaust inspection. In addition to these free inspections, some technicians may also offer discounts when they find out you need exhaust repair.
How Often Should I Get My Exhaust System Checked?
Though a new exhaust system may last two to three years before it develops an issue, it is always a good idea to have your exhaust system checked at least once a year. However, if your exhaust system is old, you should have it checked two to three times a year. This will help you identify potential exhaust-related issues before they become major problems. Many qualified exhaust pipe technicians are ready to provide a full-quality exhaust inspection at a reasonable price.
What Are the Components of an Exhaust System?
All exhaust systems typically include an exhaust manifold, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, resonator, exhaust pipes, tailpipe, and muffler. Each of these components must be in good condition for the exhaust system to function properly. Listed below are the primary roles of each component of the exhaust system:
- The exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting all of the engine's emissions from your car's cylinder which is later sent to a single exhaust pipe.
- An exhaust oxygen sensor keeps track of the oxygen level in your exhaust system and sends the information to the engine's computer to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio in your vehicle.
- The catalytic converter is responsible for converting dangerous gases from your engine to water vapor and carbon dioxide.
- The resonator is an empty echo chamber where the exhaust passes through to produce a more acceptable sound.
- Exhaust pipes are channels through which the exhaust travels from one place to another.
- The tailpipe directs the exhaust gases away from the vehicle.
- The muffler is responsible for reducing the sound from the engine.
What Are the Warning Signs My Car Needs an Exhaust Repair?
There are noticeable warning signs that indicate that your car's exhaust system needs to be checked. These signs include a constant loud noise from your engine, low engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, gas smells inside your vehicle, burning smell that you cannot trace, visible holes on exhaust pipes, and dragging exhaust pipes. Note that having your exhaust system checked immediately you notice any of these signs prevents further damage and potential replacement of the entire exhaust system.
What Does the Check Engine Light Have to Do with My Car's Exhaust System?
The check engine light typically alerts you of minor issues, including your vehicle's emissions before they become major problems. The check engine light turns on when there is a problem with your vehicle's emission and since the exhaust system is key to the emission control system, there is always a possibility that there is a problem with your exhaust system when the check engine light turns on. It is always best if you have your exhaust system inspected immediately when you notice this sign.
Can I Repair an Exhaust Pipe on My Own?
No, you cannot, and it is not a good idea to even attempt this. Exhaust pipe repair requires expertise, and any mistake may damage the whole exhaust system and other parts of your vehicle. This eventually results in expensive repairs you did not budget for. Many qualified exhaust pipe technicians are ready to fix your exhaust pipe at a reasonable price.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Broken Exhaust Pipe?
No, it is not safe to drive with a broken exhaust pipe. Driving with a broken exhaust pipe puts you at risk of carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide poisoning, fire outbreaks due to extremely hot exhaust fumes, and it can also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle. It is always a good idea to take your vehicle to qualified exhaust pipe technicians if you suspect a broken exhaust pipe.
Does a Broken Exhaust Affect Acceleration?
Yes, a broken exhaust can affect your car's acceleration due to the loss of back pressure. One of the signs of a bad exhaust system is reduced engine performance which makes acceleration difficult. A broken exhaust typically prevents you from accelerating quickly and as much as you want. It is always a good idea to visit an exhaust pipe technician when you notice that your vehicle's engine performance is no longer the same.
Are Exhaust Leaks Expensive to Fix?
Yes, exhaust leaks can be relatively expensive to fix depending on where the leak is located. For example, if the leak is located at a point before the catalytic converter, you will be required to pay more because the exhaust pipe technician will be exposed to toxic emissions that may cause health problems. The average estimated cost of fixing an exhaust leak is between $125 - $400.
How Long Does It Take to Fix an Exhaust Leak?
Exhaust leak repair can take anywhere between thirty minutes to three hours. Some repairs may take even less time, depending on how quickly the technician can reach the exhaust manifold. For instance, a typical muffler replacement can last for 25 to 60 minutes, while repairing a faulty midpipe may take an hour.