Cars make the world go round. But they can be high maintenance at times. While the modern automobile offers a variety of features, the flashier stuff tends to add an extra cost to your typical maintenance fees. We don’t want you to get fooled by any deceptive shops.
We’re here to reveal the true cost of auto repairs that you might not be aware of. The cost of ownership in today’s era isn’t cheap. Repair bills can pile up if you don’t know what needs to be fixed. You can save yourself thousands of dollars in auto repair costs if you are aware of the most common auto repairs that shops see. When you shop for repairs, you’ll know to be on the lookout for the right pricing and the right auto performance shop.
The Most Common Auto Repairs
From brake malfunctions to bumper repair, mechanics have seen it all. If your car needs some repairs, that’s perfectly normal. Maintenance is what you sign up for when you drive on the road.
Whether through natural wear and tear or an auto accident, most people find themselves needing repairs at one point or another. Here are some of the most common repairs that cars experience and the typical cost for them.
1. Brakes
Brakes are a core component of the car, and one of the most common fixes that auto repair shops see. There’s the usual wear and tear that brake pads experience. This is a repair that will happen more than once over the course of your car’s life. But if they need replacing, the average cost can be $250-$400 per axle. It’s an obvious cost you have to be prepared for, but there are ways to meet such a high price. Many places offer you the option of monthly payments, so it breaks it down over a period of time.
2. Clutch
The cost of repairs for a clutch tends to be more expensive and can range from $500 to more. That’s why it’s so important to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, with minimal maintenance costs. We recommend monthly payments for clutch repairs, because of how hefty the price is. The reason it’s so expensive is that it’s the lifeblood of your car. It’s how the engine distributes power to the wheels. If you start to notice signs that the clutch is failing, that can put the whole vehicle out of commission.
It also requires a lot of work to repair, because it’s located between the engine and gearbox, which have to be separated. So labor costs add to the clutch replacement. This is usually a situation where the auto performance shop isn’t overcharging you–there are just higher fees in place for integral car parts. Major repairs require major cash.
3. Engine
Repairing an engine is typically higher in cost, and can vary depending on what the problem is. If you’re looking to replace your engine, a brand-new one will cost upwards of $4000. And if you’re buying one for a luxury vehicle, they’re even more expensive. However, you can buy used engines at much more affordable prices. Some even cost $500. Just be aware that buying a used engine is a labor investment.
That’s why sometimes a car engine rebuild is the best way to go. This can give you the confidence you need to get back on the road again. However, it can be a bit pricey. The average repair cost for an engine is around $2500. Other potential costs you could face are related to shop materials. You shouldn’t be charged more than $100, so be on the lookout for any deceptive shops that charge more.
4. Tires
Tire issues are some of the most common additional costs that an auto service center sees. Tire patches or replacements are common. Because of this, this repair shouldn’t break the bank. Most mechanics charge a baseline price of $120 per hour, and tire patches take around 15 minutes. So, you’re looking at an actual cost of around $30-$40 for time and parts. An hourly rate is usually applied to patch jobs for tires because they’re a relatively simple task for mechanics and can take time away from more complex tasks.
Tire replacements tend to exact higher costs. The price can range from $50-$200 depending on brand and quality. That’s why maintenance is so important so that you can avoid paying these fees in the first place.
5. Headlights
The costs of auto service for headlights can vary widely based on make and model. If it’s a simple bulb that needs replacing, a replacement bulb will cost $15-$20. However, if it’s a high-intensity discharge bulb (more energy-efficient and found often in electric vehicles), then labor costs add $50.
If the entire headlight assembly needs replacing, the cost will be higher. Parts can cost anywhere from $75 to $200. Because parts are purchased individually for replacements, your total fee can end up being between $250 and $700.
6. Wiper Blades
If you go to a professional mechanic, the average cost is around $50 to replace windshield wipers. Once you know what type of blade you want, the purchase price per blade can be anywhere between $11 and $40.
7. Battery
Batteries are another essential part of a car. However, they’re not built to last forever. If you feel your battery performance starts to wane in power, it might be a sign that it needs fixing or replacing. Average costs place battery repairs between $345 and $355 when you factor in labor and parts.
Adding Up The Costs of Car Auto Service and Repair
There are many factors that influence the overall price you pay to repair your vehicle. Some auto parts require more time and energy to fix than others, so the cost is higher. Depending on what car you drive, prices can fluctuate. Luxury vehicles command higher repair costs, for example. In those cases, looking for a shop that performs custom car performance upgrades is the right way to go.
When you add up all the costs to repair your vehicle, make sure you consider both the charge for labor and the charge for parts. These two combine to create your overall bill. While some of these repairs seem pricey, often your insurance company can cover property damage, depending on how the car experienced disrepair. Research auto insurance rates and learn what is covered for you.
And for some of the more expensive things to replace, monthly payments are always an option. If you’re unsure about how much a repair might cost and don’t want to get overcharged in a shop, now you have a guideline for average prices of common repairs. If there’s something we didn’t cover here, there’s also a variety of car repair estimate calculators at your disposal via the Internet.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, taking care of your car is a priority that should not be taken lightly. And when it comes to your vehicle, you’ll want to find a way to balance decent costs with quality maintenance.
Our guide should provide an outline for how to move forward in terms of repair costs for your vehicle. Happy hunting!
