How to Budget for Car Repairs: Important Tips and Repair Costs

Car repairs are notorious for stretching your bank balance to breaking point. With the average cost of car repair in the region of $450, it’s important to know how to factor in possible car repairs into your budget.

This article will take you through some steps that you can take now, before an emergency arises, so that when the time comes to pay for a major service or fix-up job you’ll have a better idea about what is involved and how much it costs.

The Importance of Regular Automotive Maintenance

One of the most important things that you can do to help keep your car on the road and avoid expensive repairs is to ensure that you have a regular automotive maintenance schedule. This should involve getting your car serviced and checked over at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), by an authorized dealer or mechanic.

During a service, your car will be checked for any potential problems and these can then be fixed before they develop into something more serious. The cost of a regular service is usually much cheaper than the cost of a major repair job, so it’s well worth investing in one.

Types of Common Car Repairs and Their Costs

Here is a list of the most common car repairs and the average cost of each.

Oil Change

$20-30

A general oil change is a relatively inexpensive service that every car should have at least once per year. During the process, old worn-out engine oil will be replaced with new oil to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent any damage from occurring due to lack of lubrication. It’s important not to miss this one as it will protect your engine and prolong its life.

Tire Change

$50-75

If you get a flat tire, the cost of having it changed can vary depending on the type of tire that needs to be replaced, where you are located, and whether or not the work is done by a professional. However, as a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay around $50-75 for a new tire.

Windshield Wiper Replacement

$15-25

If your windshield wipers start to streak or don’t clean the glass properly, it’s time for a replacement. A new set of wipers will usually set you back between $15 and 25, but again the cost of this will vary depending on where you are located and whether or not a professional needs to be called.

Spark Plug Replacement

$50-100+

Spark plugs don’t usually require replacement until they’re at least 60,000 miles old (depending on your car), but if yours go bad it can affect your car’s performance and could potentially lead to engine damage. The cost of a new set of spark plugs can vary widely, from around $50 for the cheapest option all the way up to $100 or more for high-end brands.

These are just a few examples of common car repairs, but there are many others that could crop up depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. So, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the potential costs involved and have a little bit of money set aside specifically for car repairs. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises down the road.