Are you panicking over that odd noise your car is making? Curious on what the most expensive car repairs are?
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Our cars play an integral role in our day-to-day life. And for most of us, they are one of the most important investments we'll make. But when things go wrong, you'll want to know what will cost $100 and what will cost thousands.
Read on for 10 of the most expensive car repairs.
1. Engine and Cylinders
Cost: $7,000 – $10,000
The words ‘major engine damage' instill fear in us all. It could mean the end of your car. The most costly type of engine damage you will encounter relates to the cylinders.
The reason is the whole engine has to come out so the mechanic can replace the cylinders. Usually, it's better to replace the whole engine than fiddle about trying to fix the existing one. Or, depending on the value of your car, it's better to get a new one full stop.
2. Hybrid Car Battery
Cost: $6,000
Hybrids might be better for the environment, but their parts come at a higher cost. Especially their batteries. If your hybrid needs a new battery, you're looking at shelling out around $6,000.
Rechargeable batteries of any type will lose their ability to hold power over time. It's thought that before 10 years are up, the battery will die. And to make it worse, when you change the battery you have to change the car's computer system.
3. Transmission
Cost: $4,000-$5,000
If your transmission isn't working as it should, your wheel can't turn. Stopping your car immediately. Depending on the severity of the issue, you're looking at a bill of up to $5,000.
The transmission handles the flow of power to the driveshaft from the engine. Heat and friction mean that it's one of the parts that will see the most wear and tear over the years.
4. Airbags
Cost: $2,500-$4,000
If your airbags deploy for whatever reason, they'll need replacing. And this is expensive. You might even have to replace the steering wheel and glove box depending on the airbag design.
If your airbags have deployed, it's likely you've been in an accident so it will be the last thing on your mind. But if they deploy by accident, it's important to bear in the mind the cost. You could be looking at up to $4,000 to get your front seats back in working order.
5. Suspension
Cost: $2,500-$3,500
The suspension is what keeps passengers from noticing each bump in the road. A functional suspension system has: shocks, struts, control arms, tie rods and springs. If you lose one of these parts, it's not too expensive to replace.
But, if you lost more than one and are looking at a whole new suspension system, it's going to add up. Beware that some mechanics will recommend a whole system overhaul even if you only lose one part. So always get a second opinion.
6. Camshaft
Cost: $1,500-$3,000
Your camshaft handles how much air your engine is taking in. Over time, it can become clogged with debris and dirt. If you're not performing regular oil changes and cleaning the valves, it'll break.
The high cost of replacing it comes from the fact that it needs a lot of labor. But it's easy to avoid, so long as you're doing your tune-ups and oil changes. And if you notice the ‘check engine' light come on, get it checked out asap in case it is your camshaft.
7. Head Gasket
Cost: $2,000
When your car blows a head gasket, oil and coolant spray out and steam comes from the exhaust and engine. This then causes the engine to overheat. It's a messy process too with the oil and coolant leakage.
Despite the head gasket being a cheap part, the labor is what bumps the price up. Depending on the damage done to the rest of the car when it blows, you're looking at around $2,000 or more.
8. Catalytic Converter
Cost: $1,500
In a now eco-conscious world, a lot of cars now have catalytic converters. They convert harmful emissions into safe ones. We all value the job it does, but as far as costs go its an expensive part to replace.
You're going to be looking at around $1,500 if not more. And the real issue is that if something goes wrong with one, you can't often repair them. So replacement often the only answer.
9. Brake Line
Cost: $1,000
New breaks are usually inexpensive to replace but if your brake line goes, the costs can spiral. The brake line is what carries the brake fluid to the brakes themselves.
Your mechanic will recommend that you replace the entire line, rather than patch it. And due to your safety, and the safety of others around you it is a necessary repair. You should never drive a car that doesn't have functioning brake lines.
10. Air Conditioner Compressor – $500
Cost: $500
In summer months, especially if you live in a hot climate, air con is essential. If it fails, it can be dangerous. Your air compressor breaking can be the source of a lot of failing car AC problems. The air compressor splits up high and low-pressure air, using Freon to cool the car and its interior.
Inside the compressor, valves and rods are often known to break. This will stop the compressor from working full stop. Whatever the reason for its malfunction, you're looking at a replacement bill of $500. And if you need to add more Freon gas? Expect the bill to go up.
Act Fast to Prevent Most Expensive Car Repairs
So there you have it! You now know there most expensive car repairs you need to keep an eye out for.
Acting fast is the key here, as ignoring the problem is not only dangers but will make it worse. And you'll see the price of the repairs skyrocket further. It's always best to be on the lookout and at the first sign of trouble, get your car to your mechanic for a check-up.
Sometimes the cost of your repair outweighs the value of your car. When this happens, it might be more cost-effective to scrap it and but a new one.
If you're looking to scrap your car contact us today to see how we can help.