Car problems are often costly and unexpected. Remembering when parts of your vehicle have been serviced or replaced will help you to keep up with maintenance that can prevent premature repairs.
But accidents happen, and aging wears down the most used systems in your vehicle. Of course, you can save yourself from spending your savings on these expensive repairs with warranties like those offered by Cars Protection Plus. However, you can also be prepared by knowing how much it costs to repair or replace important parts of your vehicle.
Below we cover the types of repairs vehicle owners should expect to make as their car ages and which are the most expensive or complicated to complete.
Cylinder Replacement
The engine cylinders are the most costly part of the engine to replace. Cars Protection Plus reports that a full replacement can run as high as $7,000 to $10,000 depending on the vehicle.
Installing a new engine may be the cheapest option in some scenarios and requires less labor. Replacing the cylinders requires the mechanic to remove the entire engine to replace the part, then put it back into the vehicle. So, the extensive labor to complete the job makes up the bulk of the replacement cost.
Engine Replacement
The cost of a full engine replacement depends on several factors, including:
- The size and complexity of the engine
- The hourly rate at the shop you take your vehicle to
- Whether the engine you purchase is new, rebuilt or used
The price estimate for a new engine is between $4,000 to $7,000 based on complexity and brand. You will have to pay more for a performance engine installation in a luxury car or a vehicle with a diesel engine.
A vehicle’s engine life expectancy relies on many factors, including maintenance and how the parts are made. Poor maintenance or an accident can cause it to be replaced prematurely and lead to these expensive repairs sooner than you expected.
Transmission Rebuild
A failed transmission will prevent you from driving your vehicle. The power from your engine will not be converted properly and create the energy the wheels need to move. Replacing an entire transmission system can range between $4,000 to $5,000.
The price of a transmission system rebuild or replacement is so expensive because the systems are complex. The price will go up for luxury vehicles or if the system needs to be rebuilt after a complete breakdown.
Regular servicing to flush the transmission fluid or replace it will prevent it from needing to be replaced early. How often the fluid should be replaced depends on the model and can be found in the owner’s manual.
Vehicle warranties may offer different protection plans depending on whether you have an automatic or manual transmission.
Suspension Repair
The suspension system of your vehicle contains many parts that absorb shock from the road as you drive. This shock absorption is a major factor in causing damage to your suspension.
The cost of repairs is determined by:
- The make and model of your vehicle
- The severity of the damage done to your vehicle
- The brand of the parts used in the replacement
This puts costs anywhere between $1,000-$5,000.
Again, repairs to a luxury car will be more expensive, but an older car that is badly rusted underneath will require a longer labor period for a mechanic to access the necessary part of the vehicle.
Replacing a Head Gasket
The head gasket forms a seal in between the cylinder head and engine head. It prevents combustion gases, oil, and coolant inside the engine. This relatively small part is a crucial element in keeping your vehicle running and can cost between $1,200 to $2,000.
The labor costs associated with the part are the biggest contributor to the repair cost. Replacing a head gasket is a timely task and requires a different procedure for every vehicle. Your vehicle will still work with a blown head gasket but will lead to other systems in the engine failing if it is not repaired soon after symptoms are noticeable.
Your vehicle’s warranty may cover the cost of seals and gaskets under specific circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Vehicle part replacement and repairs are costly and can create a massive burden. But, unfortunately, there’s no way around it: as cars age, parts required to make your car function will deteriorate and become faulty, sometimes leading to expensive and complicated repairs.
However, having a car warranty can help offset some of these expensive car repairs. Carefully read the service agreement of your warranty contract to be ready in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the maintenance required to keep your vehicle running smoothly to avoid premature repairs and replacements for as long as possible.