Car Welding Repairs Explained: Why We Don’t Offer Off-the-Shelf Prices (And What You Can Expect Instead)
“How much does welding cost?”
It’s one of the most common questions we get when a customer’s car needs structural repair work – especially after an MOT failure. And we totally get it: when you’re staring at a rusty sill or a corrosion advisory, you want clarity, not confusion.
The truth is, welding isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. And at Car Friend, we won’t slap on a cheap patch to get you out the door quickly. We treat your car (and your safety) with the respect it deserves.
Let’s break down what really goes into a proper welding repair – and why we’ll always be upfront with what it’s going to cost.
Why We Can’t Give a Welding Price Over the Phone
Welding costs vary wildly – because no two rust repairs are the same. A small-looking patch of rust can hide much bigger problems underneath. What looks like a 30-minute job can easily turn into a few hours once we clean it back and uncover the full extent.
Before we can give you an honest quote, we need to inspect the car. That way, we can check:
- Where the corrosion is
- How deep it goes
- Whether it’s affecting structural areas like the chassis, sills, or suspension mounts
- How accessible the area is – some jobs involve removing seats, carpets, or fuel tanks
- Whether we’re working on a MOT failure repair or preventative maintenance
That inspection gives us the full picture – and it’s the only way we can quote confidently, without nasty surprises later.
Safety First – Always
Welding isn’t just about passing the MOT – it’s about keeping you safe.
We’ve seen plenty of patch jobs from elsewhere that were rushed, badly welded, or even just “glued” with sealant. That’s not just lazy – it’s dangerous.
At Car Friend, we repair rust properly:
- We cut back to solid metal
- Fabricate new sections to fit your car
- Seam-weld to MOT standards (no spot tacks or thin patches)
- Treat the area with anti-corrosion products
- And keep clear records of what we’ve done
This isn’t just box-ticking. It’s your safety. We do welding repairs the way we’d want them done on our own cars.
What’s Included in a Proper Welding Repair?
A proper welding job involves more than just “zap zap” and go.
Here’s what’s often included:
- Rust removal and cutting back
- Fabricating or shaping replacement metal
- MIG welding for strength and safety
- Protective finishes (zinc primer, underseal, or wax)
- Stripping and refitting trim or components if needed
- MOT re-test support if it failed on corrosion
You’ll also get clear advice on whether your car’s worth repairing. If we think you’re better off walking away, we’ll say so – because we treat you like a friend, not a transaction.
So… How Much Does Welding Cost?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends.
After an inspection, we quote based on:
- Labour time – we charge £105/hour
- Materials used – metal, gas, wire, anti-rust treatment
- Complexity of the repair – some areas are quicker to access than others
Most jobs range from £100 to £400, but we’ve seen big jobs go over that where corrosion is widespread. We’ll always walk you through the options.
Common Areas We Weld:
We regularly see corrosion in areas like:
- Sills (especially rear sections)
- Floorpans
- Wheel arches and inner arches
- Seatbelt anchor points
- Chassis rails or subframes
If your car has failed its MOT on rust – or if you’ve spotted bubbling or holes near key areas – book it in for an inspection before it gets worse.
MOT-Ready Repairs You Can Trust
Our welding meets (or exceeds) MOT standards. We’re happy to liaise with your MOT tester if needed, and we’ll always document the repair for peace of mind.
We’re Not Here to Patch – We’re Here to Protect
There’s a big difference between a quick patch and a lasting repair.
At Car Friend, we take pride in doing things right – not just getting things done. You’ll get honest advice, clear pricing, and workmanship that’s built to last.
Need welding repairs?
If your car’s failed its MOT – or you’ve spotted rust in the usual places – don’t leave it to chance. Book a welding inspection with Car Friend in Cannock today. We’ll give you honest advice and a proper job that keeps you safe.