How Much for Average Car Repair and Maintenance Costs

Buying either a new or used car can be one of the biggest purchases you ever make – but the expenses don’t stop there. The average cost to own a car in 2023 was about $12,200. The average driver in the U.S. pays around $2,300 a year just on full coverage car insurance. On top of that, there are all the expenses associated with reoccurring car maintenance like oil changes, replacing old tires, wheel alignments, and tire rotations. In addition, there’s the dreaded kind of auto repair that can pop without warning, which sometimes requires an emergency installment loan. You can plan out and schedule oil changes, but you can’t plan for your radiator failing or belts wearing out.

Oil Changes Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

The average cost of an oil change can range between $35 - $125 according to KBB. It doesn’t get any more routine than oil and oil filter changes, but the cost depends on many variables. To determine the price you’d normally pay you’ll need to consider the area where you live, vehicle model, and if your vehicle requires synthetic oil, which is more expensive than conventional oil. However, synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional so you may make up the difference since your car’s oil won’t need to be changed as often. An added bonus to using synthetic oil is that it saves you time by not needing to be changed as regularly as conventional oil.

Most mechanics recommend getting your oil changed every 5,000 – 15,000 miles or every 3 to 12 months. Again, this is different for each vehicle and depends on how often the car is driven, the type of oil used, and even if you have an intensive commute to work. Idling in traffic to and from work can cause your vehicle to burn more oil than a weekend trip to the grocery store.

Tire Rotations Save You Money in the Long Run

According to Consumer Reports, tire rotations can cost you around $60 and should be done every 5,000 – 8,000 miles, depending on your model. All-wheel drive vehicles don’t need tire rotations as often, more like every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Tire rotations are important as they provide even tire wear, extended tire life, improved tracking and handling, enhanced fuel efficiency, improved vehicle safety, and they can save you money in the long run. Sometimes it makes sense to bundle each oil change with a tire rotation, which is something that many auto repair shops offer.

Cabin Air Filters Keep the Air in Your Car Fresh

Cabin air filters should be replaced every year at 12,000 – 15,000 miles. Your new cabin air filter will improve air quality in your vehicle by trapping contaminants, providing allergy relief, and reducing odors. Oftentimes a bad odor in your car is a signal that it’s time to change the cabin air filter. This is one common auto maintenance need that many people overlook as it doesn’t really affect your vehicle’s performance. A clean and fresh cabin air filter improves the comfort of riding in your vehicle and replacing your filter is easy enough to do on your own. Depending on your vehicle model, most cabin air filters are housed behind your glove compartment. It generally only requires a screwdriver to replace an air filter. You may be able to find a video tutorial by searching on YouTube. They generally range between $20 - $50 depending on quality. They are sold in many department stores like Walmart, and auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts, or can be ordered online from those stores as well as Amazon.

New Tires Help Keep You Safe on the Road

Tires are a very important aspect of car maintenance as they affect safety, efficiency, and performance. Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so ensuring they are in good condition is essential for a secure driving experience. New tires can be quite expensive, and without properly budgeting for them, they can often cause a strain on your finances. The cost can vary widely and depend on tire brand, type, wheel size, quality, and the specific needs of your vehicle.

Average tire prices by type:

• All-Season Tires: Designed for general use in most weather conditions and are usually more affordable.
  • Price Range: $70 - $300 per tire.
• Performance Tires: Built for speed and handling, commonly used in sports cars.
  • Price Range: $100 - $1,000 per tire.
• Winter/Snow Tires: Designed for icy and snowy conditions, providing better grip in cold weather.
  • Price Range: $55 - $1,000 per tire.
• All-Terrain Tires: Suitable for off-road driving, offering better traction on various surfaces.
  • Price Range: $130 - $500 per tire.

Windshield Wiper Blades Maintain Road Visibility

Intermittent windshield wipers were invented not too long ago in 1962. Now, it’s tough for drivers to envision driving in the rain or snow without them. Compared to other auto maintenance, windshield wipers are low-cost and simple to replace. The average cost of windshield wipers is $23 - $38 and depends on quality and brand. Wiper blades might seem like a minor component of your vehicle, but they shouldn’t be overlooked as they play an important role in maintaining safety while on the road.

If you find yourself in need of emergency auto repair, but don’t have the funds, consider an installment loan from Check `n Go. We’re here for you when the unexpected happens.

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Auto Maintenance FAQs

At what point is it too expensive to repair a car?

There are many factors involved when deciding if it is too expensive to repair your vehicle, but there’s one common rule of thumb - if repairing your car costs more than half the vehicle’s value, then it may be worth it to opt for buying a new one. This is important to consider before searching online for something like, “mechanic near me” because repairing your car may not be worth it. Other things to consider are the age of your vehicle, mileage, how often you need to repair it, and any emotional attachment you may have.

What costs the most to repair on a car?

Engine repairs and transmission replacement are commonly the most expensive repairs that can be made to a car. Engine repairs commonly run between $2,500 - $4,000, while transmission replacement often costs up to $7,000 depending on your car model. A new expensive car repair that affects some of us is electric vehicle battery replacement, which can cost approximately $4,000 - $20,000.

What is the difference between maintenance and repair on a car?

Auto maintenance and repair are often used interchangeably, but maintenance refers to preventative care of your car while repairs are made for issues that require corrective action to fix. Maintenance is conducted at regular intervals, but repairs are done as needed. Repairs are generally much higher in cost than maintenance.

What regular maintenance should be done on a car?

Maintenance refers to routine tasks performed to keep your car in great working condition. Examples of regular maintenance that should be done on a car include:

• Oil changes
• Tire rotations
• Brake Inspections
• Fluid top-up or replacement
• Filter replacement
• Battery testing and cleaning
• Wheel alignment