The Most Common Car Breakdowns and How to Pay for Car Repairs
Car breakdowns are often unpredictable and leave us wondering how to pay for car repairs. Of course, it is a little easier for those with a car insured. But if there is no insurance or it does not cover the breakdown? In this case, savings, loans, and other payment options come into play. Let's look at the most common car breakdowns and how much it costs to fix them.
Oil/Filter Change
- Cost of oil change: $35-$75
- Cost of oil filter replacement: $5-$15
Be aware that the cost of an oil change can go up if your car uses synthetic oil, the Kelley Blue Book notes.
Replacing the filter will cost another $5-$15.
Wiper Blade Replacement
- Cost: $56-$89
According to RepairPal, windshield wipers will cost between $30-$55. To this, you need to add the payment for the work, the cost of which ranges from 24 to 36 dollars. It is usually time to change the windshield wipers when they leave streaks on the glass and do not remove water from it well.
Air Filter Replacement
- Cost: $57-$90
The cost of quality air filters ranges from $28 to $43. The rest is the payment for the work to replace them. In general, this kind of breakdown you can fix yourself, saving a little money.
Scheduled Maintenance
- Cost of scheduled maintenance at 40,000 miles: $53-$94
- Cost of scheduled maintenance at 100,000 miles: $224-$323
The older your car, the more expensive scheduled maintenance will be, according to Edmunds. However, often dealer-recommended services cost $100 or more than the maintenance listed in your vehicle's owner's manual.
New Tires
- Cost: $100-$300 each
Standard all-weather tires will set you back between $100 and $300. High-quality or specialized tires, such as off-road tires, will be more expensive: about $300 or more each. To save money, you can buy two tires at a time. Put new ones on the rear wheels and used ones on the front ones.
Battery Replacement
- Cost: $299-$311
On average, a battery costs about $260. The rest of the amount will have to pay to replace it. Usually, before the battery becomes unusable, the battery warning light comes on.
Brake Work
- Cost of brake pad replacement: $263-$294
- Cost of brake shoes replacement: $259-$298
- Cost of brake rotor replacement: $406-$559
Repair of the brake system should not be missed for the sake of your safety, even though this is one of the most difficult and expensive repairs. It is usually more expensive to repair the brake system of large and heavy vehicles than smaller and lighter ones.
Adding Antifreeze
- Cost: $120 to $146
You can add brake fluid yourself and not spend money on it. But a brake fluid change is carried out by professionals and will cost between $120 and $146.
Engine Tune-Up
- Cost: $150- $1,000
The cost of basic engine tuning is very dependent on the type of engine and the cost of the parts. Therefore, it is better not to save on this, as the setting will help prevent larger and more expensive repairs.
Wheel Alignment/Balancing
- Cost of wheel alignment: $116-$145
- Cost of wheel balancing: $26-$34
Often poorly aligned or out-of-balance wheels do not affect your safety. But they can affect tire wear. According to RepairPal, leveling work is usually done as part of a larger, more expensive repair.
We have come to the main question: how to pay for car repairs? And, if such a question arose, you most likely do not have savings in case of an unexpected repair. In this case, there are several options.
You can use a credit card if its credit limit can cover the repair. It is also possible to take out a personal loan, which often has lower rates than credit cards and flexible repayment terms. Finally, you can use a payment plan if one exists at the auto repair shop you choose. This interest-free financing program allows you to pay for repairs in monthly installments that you can afford.
Sometimes you just need to evaluate your car sensibly. For example, if you have to repair it often, it is old and has high mileage, sometimes it is more profitable just to sell it and buy something newer.
