Most Common and Costly Car Repairs

According to a 2012 industry report, America’s auto repair business is expected to grow 1.2% annually over the next five years. By 2017, auto shop industry revenues will reach $54.7 billion. An improving economy and advances in auto manufacturing technology requiring more skilled mechanics who can demand higher prices are among the factors that will drive the growth. We have included the most common and some of the most expensive repairs.

• Replacing oxygen sensors accounted for 9.43% of all auto shop repairs in 2010, at an average cost of $238.71.
• At 28% and 20% respectively, front and rear bumpers are the most frequently damaged parts collisions.
• When a catalytic converter fails, replacing it can cost nearly $2,700. In this case, it’s the part, not the labor that runs up the bill. Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium, three of the most precious metals on earth.
• The fuel savings from a hybrid car can quickly evaporate if you have to replace the battery. Because it is often bundled with an integrated motor-assist battery, changing one means changing both, to the tune of about $2,700.
• Repairing or replacing a failed cylinder is among the most costly of all auto repairs. Pricey parts and the need to disassemble the engine can rack up a repair bill of $8,000 or more.
• Loose or missing gas caps, which trigger“check engine” lights, were responsible for 9.28% of auto shop fixes. Ignoring the problem can cost more than the 80-cent average fix because it decreases as mileage by 0.5%.