The Top 10 Most Expensive, But Common, Auto Repairs

Your car is bound to have problems sooner or later. You don’t have to worry when your car is still under warranty. But if you own a used car, chances are that you are not under warranty. 

Servicing your car from your pocket can be costly. First, you have to pay for expensive repairs to keep your vehicle running. And some repairs or spare parts will drain you more than others. So, you should know what to expect if you encounter these problems.

Remember, if you own a used car that is still in good shape, you can get an extended car warranty. For example, CarShield reviews give you a breakdown of how this warranty process works.

Here are some of the most expensive repairs that are also common.

Brake Line

When it comes to safety, your brakes are the most important parts of your car. Some brake parts like the brake pads are not very expensive. But you will face huge bills if the brake line gets punctured or explodes. This part is crucial because it holds the brake fluid.

If the brake lines get damaged, your brakes won’t work because brake fluid is crucial in braking.

In most cases, mechanics opt to replace the entire line instead of patching a perforated line. But never ignore this repair. Your safety is paramount, and no one should drive with damaged brake lines. Also, avoid the DIY route when dealing with your brakes. 

Brake line repairs usually cost about $150-$200. It may seem cheap, but your costs go higher if it becomes a recurring problem.

Timing Belt Replacement

Timing belts are susceptible to damage because they are moving parts. Thus, you have to replace them from time to time. Replacing it may not necessarily fall under the expensive tag. But if you ignore this repair, it usually leads to larger problems and expensive repairs.

If you replace your timing belt before it breaks, you may pay between $500-$1,000. This cost varies with your car model. But if you wait, you will be looking at replacement costs that may exceed $2,000.

If you insist on driving with a damaged timing belt, you also risk damaging other parts. Bent valves, damaged cylinder heads, and engine damages are some of them.

Airbags

The most likely cause of airbag deployment is an accident. That said, it will cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 to replace a single airbag. Also, it may cost more to replace the passenger-side airbag than the driver-side airbag.

Depending on your model, you may pay about $250 to $800 for the driver-side airbag. On the other hand, passenger airbags cost about $400-$1,500.

Also, keep in mind many extended car warranty providers don’t include airbags in their policy. So, you might have to pay for the airbag and its installation.

But if you have a reliable car insurance, the company may pay for part of these costs. However, airbag replacements can be too expensive. So, when this happens, your auto insurance company will choose to replace your car instead.

Head Gasket

The head gasket seals your engine cylinders to give your car the required compression to maintain its engine power. If your car blows a gasket, repairs can cost $2,000 or more. Gaskets are relatively cheap, but the repairs can dent your pocket.

Gaskets cost so much to repair because mechanics have to put much effort and time into repairing them. In addition, every car is different, so it may take some time to figure out how to fix the damaged gasket.

There are signs that show your gasket has blown. They include white smoke from the exhaust and engine, oil and coolant spills, and an overheated engine. 

Remember, the popular gasket sealer is not a magical solution. It may work or not, depending on how your gasket failed. For instance, if the gasket blew after your engine overheated, your sealer may fail. But if a leak happens between the cooling system and the combustion chamber, your sealer can work temporarily.

Camshaft

Like the head gasket, camshaft parts are relatively cheap. They may set you back about $50 to $200. But when you add parts plus labor, your repairs can cost between $1,500-$3,000. It could be more if you own a high-end vehicle.

Camshaft sensors ensure that the engine is functioning at the optimal level. Without this sensor, your engine may be failing without your knowledge. That’s why you should repair it immediately to avoid costly damages to the engine.

Major signs of a bad camshaft include poor acceleration, bad mileage, car jerking, ignition issues, and more. If you experience these problems, visit a mechanic to prevent bigger problems.

Suspensions

The suspensions keep car riders from experiencing every bump on the road. A complete suspension system has control arms, struts, tie rods, shocks, and springs. If any of these parts fall off, a replacement can be affordable.

But if you have to replace the entire suspension system, you will pay more. It may cost between $1,000-$5,000 to replace the suspension system. Of course, this price also depends on the model of your car.

If you notice rougher rides or drifting when turning, your suspensions may have an issue. Other symptoms include uneven tire wear and lurching back and forth after braking.

Transmission

Transmission issues can render your vehicle useless. Signs include wheels unable to turn, failing clutches, your vehicle not going into gear, and more. 

On average, you may have to part with $2,600 if your transmission fails. Sometimes, you may have to pay more depending on the car model and transmission problem. 

Your transmission is a complicated system that connects your engine with the driveshaft. In simple terms, it uses the power from the engine to spin the wheels.

This part may experience more wear and tear than most parts. This wear usually comes from heat and friction from different working parts.

Final Thoughts

Repairs are part of every car owner’s life. Cars need frequent maintenance to keep repair costs low. But sometimes, a part breaks that costs more than you bargained for. 

Some repairs may be expensive, but it’s worth it if your car maintains its resale value after the repair. The only time you should forgo repairs is when the cost comes close to or exceeds your car’s value. Depending on your vehicle, repairs can be the lifeline of your car.