Top 5 Most Costly Car Repairs

Giulia Nigrini
Giulia Nigrini
Vehicle Service Contract Specialist, Traveler, Car Enthusiast
October 14, 2022
8
min. read
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Ya think you're shelling out a lot of money on car repairs? You ain't seen nothing yet! We're going to show you the top 5 most costly car repairs that will break the bank. Now, I know a lot of you are probably thinking that your car repair bills are bad enough as it is, but trust me, you haven't seen anything yet. So without further ado, let's jump right in.

Steering

For anyone who has ever had to pay for steering system repairs on a car, you know it can be a real pain in the wheel. The steering system is one of those things that you never really think about until it goes wrong, and by then it's usually too late. Steering system repairs are almost always going to be expensive, especially if your car is no longer under warranty. And even if you have coverage, not all plans cover the full cost of repairs. The best advice is to take good care of your steering system and not push your vehicle to the limits. But even with the best care, sometimes steering system problems just happen. Wear and tear is part of the lifespan of all vehicles, older vehicles in particular are at risk. When you have a steering failure, be prepared to open up your wallet and hope that your steering wheel doesn't end up costing you an arm and a leg.

Suspension

The suspension system of a car is one of its most important safety features. It helps to cushion the ride and keep the tires in contact with the road. However, suspension systems are also notoriously expensive to repair. If your suspension system fails while your car is still under warranty, you may be able to get the repairs covered by your manufacturer's drivetrain warranty. However, if your car is out of warranty, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs. This can be a major expense, so it's important to make sure that your suspension system is properly maintained. You may also want to consider buying an extended warranty or vehicle service contract that covers suspension repairs.

Replacing Shock Absorbers and Struts.

Shocks, as well as strut repairs, hinder your car from veering to the side and reduce friction. You should check your vehicle for wear and tear every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. At a certain point, you will likely have to deal with a high-mileage car suspension replacement. 4 shock absorbers in a set cost approximately $1,400. This will rise if you own a luxury car.

Ball Joint Replacement.

A ball joint connects your car’s tire and wheel to the entire suspension system. Replacing one ball joint costs $200. A set (4 ball joints) costs around $1,000. Certain cars have ball joints only in the front, and certain cars have ball joints only in the back. More luxurious brands may have higher prices as the materials and workmanship cost goes up.

Spring Replacement.

Spring repairs will affect bouncing, improve stability and make your drive smooth. Depending on your car, on average a coil spring replacement costs around $390. The overall cost can change depending on your vehicle’s make and model and the extent of the damage and how many springs need replacing.

Total Car Suspension Replacement.

You may need front and rear suspension repairs or a complete overhaul. In extreme situations, your mechanic may suggest replacing the whole system due to structural damage. This may be due to wear and tear necessitating a high mileage car suspension replacement. If you have to replace the whole system it will cost you around $3,500 excluding labor.

Differentials

One of the most expensive car repairs is fixing a differential. In fact, the average cost of differential repairs can go as high as $1,800. Differentials are responsible for transferring engine power to the wheels, and they typically need to be rebuilt or replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. An extended warranty can help to cover the cost of these repairs, as well as other major car repairs that may come up. While extended auto protection may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. When considering whether or not to purchase extended coverage, be sure to ask yourself how much you're willing to spend on car repairs. If you're not comfortable with the idea of paying for major car repairs out of pocket, then an extended warranty or a vehicle service contract may be a good option for you.

Transmission

Transmission repairs are inevitable, as they get much wear and tear over the years.

Repairs are never easy. From small issues to large repairs, a vehicle needs regular maintenance. A transmission is no different. Parts alone can range between $300 and $3,500 while labor can get up to $1,200 depending on the extent of the damage.

The car's transmission is responsible for transferring the engine's power to the wheels. It consists of a series of gears that rotate at different speeds, and the transmission is what allows the car to shift gears and change speed. Over time, transmissions can wear down from all the use and abuse they endure, and eventually, transmission repairs will be necessary. Although it may be tempting to put off these repairs, it's important to keep in mind that a car with a damaged transmission can be very dangerous to drive. If you notice any strange noises or leaking fluid coming from your car, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible to have the problem checked out. With proper care and maintenance, you can help extend the life of your car's transmission and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Engine

If you're a car owner, then you know that unexpected repairs can be a major inconvenience. And if your engine needs to be rebuilt, the cost can be significant. A standard engine rebuild for minor repairs often costs between $2,000 to $4,000. For a major overhaul and engine rebuild, costs can go up to $8,000. And if you need to replace your engine entirely, the cost can be even higher. It's important to be aware of the potential costs before you find yourself in need of major repairs. Knowing what to expect can help you budget for unexpected repairs and avoid financial surprises in the long run.

Many people assume that their car insurance will cover everything that goes wrong with their vehicle. However, there are actually a lot of things that insurance does not cover. Insurance policies do not cover the repairs after a mechanical breakdown and will only cover repairs after a collision. This is where an extended car warranty or vehicle service contract comes in. These types of coverage offer protection against repairs in the event of a mechanical breakdown. You can also enjoy a host of perks such as flat tire service, towing services, and trip interruption. As a result, extended auto protection can give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case your car suffers a mechanical failure.

At Chaiz, we are America's first fully online comparison marketplace for vehicle service contracts. We work with providers across the country to offer you the best protection for your vehicle. With our extended auto protection search engine, you can compare plans from different providers to find the best coverage for your needs. Protect your vehicle today by visiting chaiz.com.

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