Keeping your car in working order isn’t a cheap proposition. In fact, the average American shells out around $2000 annually between maintenance and incidental auto repair cost.
Of course, averages don’t mean much to the individual. While it gives you a basic sense of much you should budget, it doesn’t offer much insight into what you’ll actually pay for common car problems.
If you’d like to know what kind of damage you’re in for with typical car repair cost or auto body repair, keep reading. We’ll give an idea of what you can expect for these expenses.
Paint Repair
There are few repairs more commonly needed on a car than paint repair. A careless teenager or oblivious customers at the local grocery store can leave your car with damaged paint.
Fixes for a basic scratch will typically cost you something in the neighborhood of $300 up to around $1000. If the damage includes actual damage to the car body itself, though, that price can go way up. If you need paint scratches fixed and auto body work, expect the auto body repair cost to go up into the $2500 to $3500 range.
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
One of the more finicky parts on most vehicles is the oxygen sensor. While they tend to work fine for a while, they get progressively less reliable as your vehicle ages.
You can save some money if you buy the sensor and do the repair yourself, but not everyone has the mechanical skills for that. If you get the work done in a professional shop, your costs will range between $100 and $400.
If you’re not sure your budget can handle a repair, you can look for an auto repair cost estimator. While these can’t give you a quote, they can give a good sense of what you’re looking for in your area.
Windshield Replacement
You’re driving along and minding your own business on the highway when another vehicle kicks up a loose stone. Bang, your windshield is chipped or cracked. It happens every day.
Since chips and cracks compromise the windshield, you need a replacement sooner than later. The average cost for a new windshield and installation hovers around $250.
New Tires
Tires hold up to a lot of abuse, but they aren’t immortal. As they age and thin, you’re more likely to get tire damage that defies repair. New tires will cost you as little as $100 apiece or as much as $300.
Keeping Your Auto Repair Cost Manageable
Keeping your auto repair cost manageable starts with good maintenance. Perform all the normal maintenance activities such as oil changes and timing service when the car manual recommends.
This helps ensure your vehicle doesn’t develop unusual and hard-to-repair problems that drive up the cost. Engage in defensive driving. This helps ensure you don’t end up with needless auto body repairs.
Looking for more auto repair and maintenance tips? Check out our Automobile maintenance section for more articles.