Most car repairs are expensive because of significant parts and labor costs. But some car repairs cost much more than others. That’s why it is essential to maintain your vehicle correctly to avoid expensive car repairs, according to Campenellas.com.
If you need to have any of the repairs below, you will be looking at spending a pretty penny.
Cylinder Replacement or Repair
Cylinders are vital parts of an engine. Every cylinder contains a piston that travels upwards and downwards when the engine is running. If one of your engine cylinders stops working, the engine will no longer function. Replacing one of the engine cylinders costs thousands of dollars. Much of the cost is from the labor needed to take the engine apart and put it back together.
If your car is 10 years old, it may be too expensive to be worth fixing. But you can replace the motor with a used one and save money in some cases.
Transmission Replacement
The transmission is the next most crucial parts of your car, next to the engine. It, like the engine, is a pricy part of the vehicle.
Replacing the transmission in most vehicles costs between $3,000 and $5,000; it depends on the exact vehicle. It also matters if you choose to purchase a new or used unit. Again, the car’s age and condition will dictate if you should go to the expense of fixing it.
But you can often avoid this expense by giving proper care to your transmission. If you have an automatic, you just need to change the fluid in the transmission every two years. If you have a manual, take care of how you change your gears and press on the clutch. It’s recommended to let the clutch out as fast as possible when changing gears without stalling or jerking the vehicle.
Engine Head Replacement
Your cylinder head is where the motor’s cylinders come together. If the motor runs too hot often, the cylinder head may crack, leading to eventual engine failure. Having a cracked cylinder head is a common reason you get a ‘check engine’ light. Another sign of a cracked cylinder head is a lot of black or white smoke coming from the tailpipe.
Replacing the head of an engine can cost as much as $3500. But you can usually prevent the problem by having regular oil changes. Also, note the engine temperature as you drive. Never let the engine get too hot, and be sure you have the vehicle serviced anytime you see the ‘check engine’ light come on.
Replacing Hybrid Battery
Hybrid vehicles are getting more popular by the year. But the parts that comprise them are entirely new when you compare them to traditional cars. That’s why it’s so expensive to replace hybrid batteries.
Depending on your hybrid vehicle, you may pay $4,000 or more to replace the battery. That is much more than you would pay to replace the standard battery in a gas-driven car.
But most batteries for hybrids are designed to last the life of the vehicle. Even if your battery fails, most hybrids have a 10-year warranty. You will also enjoy considerable fuel savings over time, so keep that in mind if the battery ever dies.
Hybrid Inverter Assembly Replacement
Repairing a hybrid may cost more than fixing a regular car because of the complicated technology. The inverter plays a vital role in controlling how electricity is used in the vehicle, so you will have an expensive problem if it breaks.
Replacing the inverter assembly will set you back $4000 to $8000. Much of the cost is the many hours of labor to disassemble and assemble the parts.
Major Suspension Work
Everyone knows the vehicle they drive is on a suspension that keeps the chassis from hitting the ground, but you may not know all the parts involved. Your suspension usually features shocks, springs, struts, tie rods, and control arms. If only one component goes south, the repair isn’t too expensive.
But watch out if you need to overhaul the suspension, which can be necessary for a car more than 10 years old. In that case, expect to spend $2,000 to $4,000 at your local shop. Luckily, most aging cars only need one suspension part replaced at a time.
Airbags
No one ever wants to get in a car accident, but it happens. If it does, you can spend a lot of money. The typical structural repairs are expensive, but so is replacing the airbag if it deploys.
Goliath.com states that some replacement airbags cost from $2,500 to $4,000.
Brake Line
Brakes are the most vital safety component of any motor vehicle. Replacing the brakes can set you back, but replacing a bad brake line is exceptionally costly.
Over the years, your brake lines can get damaged or even disintegrate. Repairs can top $1,000, depending on your car and mechanic. Most mechanics will encourage you to replace the line instead of patch it.
Most experts recommend replacing the line for safety reasons. After all, why save a few hundred dollars when your life is at stake?
Catalytic Converter
Some drivers live in states or cities that require emissions tests. The catalytic converter converts dangerous chemicals in vehicle exhaust into water vapor and other harmless gases that don’t damage your lungs or the environment.
It’s a great cause, but replacing the converter is expensive. It’s located between your engine and muffler, and it’s easy to replace. But you can spend up to $1,500 to replace this part. Unfortunately, most catalytic converters must be replaced and cannot be repaired.
Bottom Line
If you want to keep your old car running for years and you want to avoid an enormous repair bill, perform routine maintenance so you can avoid the significant repairs we mention above.
Preventative maintenance is necessary to keep cars going for years and eliminate many expensive repairs.
