Did you know that Americans spend roughly $2,000 per year on car maintenance and repairs? If you don’t know how to calculate repair costs or what’s factored in, the cost could go up exponentially. However, educating yourself on car repair costs can help keep the price tag low—especially knowing what goes into calculating the final price. Here’s what factors into the cost to repair a car.
Type of Car
You can save money on car repair costs simply by shopping smart. Certain cars are always going to be more expensive to keep on the road, even if they’re new.
Foreign sports cars, for example, are notoriously expensive to maintain.
More reliable brands like Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Genesis, and Lexus cost less on average. You might pay more for one of these brands, but at least you’ll save yourself money in the long run.
(Click here to learn more about affordable Genesis Coupe parts.)
Parts Needed
The cost to repair a car is nearly always influenced by what’s wrong and the extent of the damage. Repairs to your drivetrain, which include the joints, axles, and U-joints, can range greatly in price.
More routine fixes, like replacing air filters or even fixing an exterior bump, might cost you less than $100.
Newer cars also have substantial electrical and computer components. Certain models are notorious for having troubles in this area, which could cost you a lot out of pocket.
Where You Go
In many cases, car repairs are more of an art than a science. Mechanics can diagnose what’s wrong with your car, but the verdict might be different depending on where you go.
How much you wind up paying out-of-pocket could be affected because of this. We’ve all heard horror stories about mechanics overcharging—so it’s good to do your research.
That’s why it’s also important to get to know your mechanic and build a relationship with him or her. You might save thousands—literally—over the life of your vehicle in costs to repair your car.
Standard Maintenance
Being proactive about car maintenance when you repair your car can pay off handsomely.
Every car needs regular work—things like new oil, tire rotations, changing of filters, brake pad replacements, to name a few.
You’ll pay dozens to a couple of hundred dollars each time you get these things taken care of. But in the long run, it could save you tons of money. When cars aren’t maintained well, problems tend to crop up that wind up costing you thousands.
What Affects the Cost to Repair a Car?
So, what affects the cost to repair a car?
The make and model of the car, the car repair parts you need, and where you go are the biggest factors in price. Whether or not you take care of your vehicle so big problems don’t happen also plays a role.
Check out more car tips on our blog!