How Much Does The Average Cost Of Car Repairs Cost?

Save today on the average cost of car repairs. And be aware of the essential maintenance which is necessary for the vehicle.

We all know that owning a car is not such an easy deal. We have to give it regular maintenance for the health and longevity of your vehicle. So, whenever we budget for the cost of a car, we are likely to consider the car payment, tolls, auto insurance, and the cost of gas. And always forget that one factor is that our vehicle also needs routine maintenance. Here, we brief you about the average cost of car repairs per year. So, read along.

Regular maintenance is a necessary part of your vehicle. It can help to reduce car repairs down the road. According to a recent study by AAA, a new car’s regular maintenance and repairs can cost you an average of $0.09 per mile. In this article, we discuss in brief the average cost of car repairs and basic maintenance which is necessary for your vehicle. Additionally, also discuss how to save on the average cost of car repairs per year in detail.

What Are Basic Maintenance Included In The Average Cost Of Car Repairs?

As we discussed above, we should not forget the factor of how much we spend on regular car maintenance while calculating the actual true cost of owning a car. Here’s what the average cost of car repairs per year looks like. Which also includes each service’s item cost and how often you need these services done for the health and longevity of your vehicle.

The average cost of owning a car nowadays ranges from $6,354 annually for a small sedan to $10,054 annually for a pickup truck. The Average cost of car repairs per year may surprise you. As we know, according to the study by AAA the repairs can cost you an average of $0.09 per mile. This simply means that if you drive 10,000 miles in a year then it will cost you around $900. In case, if you drive 20,000 miles in a year then the average cost of car repairs is double which is $1,800 annually.

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That’s why we need to budget all these expenses. And if we talk about the average cost of car accident repairs then you have to increase your budget. Now, we discuss some basic maintenance in brief which includes the average cost of car repairs per year. Where some of them are oil change, new battery, brake pad replacement, windshield wiper replacement, and tire rotation or replacement. Importantly, you can also check your car’s manual for the type of routine maintenance it requires to be done.

Additionally, never ignore those little signals your car sends you while something is wrong with your vehicle. For Example, flashing check engine lights, squeaking brakes, abnormal noises from the engine, and anything which is not normal. These signs send a message that your car needs maintenance. Now, let’s start with the basic maintenance your car needs every year.

• Oil Change

According to experts, you should change your oil every 5000 to 7,500 miles on new cars. And if your vehicle is old then it needs to change more frequently. This routine maintenance completely depends on how much and how far you drive. And if you don’t reach the minimum mileage threshold, then also you should change your oil every 12 months. This leads your car to work in order.

However, the standard oil change can cost you from $25 to $55. If you are using synthetic oil then it will cost you between $45 and $75. An Oil change is important basic maintenance which includes the average cost of car repairs per year.

• New Battery

Your vehicle’s battery should be replaced every three to five years. But this timeline completely depends on outside factors. One of them is that your car is subject to cold weather or extreme heat or whether you left your car unused for a long period. In case, if you frequently leave your car’s interior lights on then it can lead to a drain of your battery.

However, replacing batteries can cost you between $60 to $200. Which completely depends on the location and the quality of the battery you buy. Replacing batteries leaves a strong impact on the average cost of car repairs.

• Windshield Wiper Replacement

Windshield wipers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or you start facing problems with wipers. Windshield wipers play an important role on rainy days so ignoring them is not an option. Wiper replacement may cost you under $85 including labor pay. In case, if you buy blades and install them yourself then you can save $25 or more.

• Brake Pad Replacement

Brake replacement completely depends on you how often you use your brakes. Generally, your driving skills or habits will also impact these repairs. It means if you tend to stop suddenly, tailgate, or ride your brakes driving then you should replace your brake pads frequently. Drivers who are in the habit of leaving more distance and braking gradually don’t need brake pad replacement frequently.

Additionally, if your car sends you some signs like a screeching sound while applying for brakes then you should replace it as soon as possible. Brake pad replacement can cost you between $35 and $150.

• Rotate or Replace Tires

NHTSA( The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) suggests people replace their tires every six years. However, replacing tires can cost you from $400 and $1,800 which depends on the quality of tires you buy and the type of car you own. Whether rotation is another important repair cost that includes the average cost of car repairs per year. It may cost you between $35 and $45. It should be done every 5000 to 8000 miles.

So, these are basic maintenance that your car needs. All these things make an impact on your average cost of car repairs per year budget. And there are a few more things that require maintenance. Now, we discuss how to save on average the cost of car repairs per year.

5 Ways To Reduce Average Cost Of Car Repairs Per Year

Many of us are not able to provide servicing and maintenance regularly to our cars. But maintenance and servicing are important for vehicles. So, what we can do is reduce the average cost of car repairs per year with the help of a few tips. Here, we discuss 5 ways to reduce the maintenance cost of car repairs. So, read along.

• Consider An Electric Car

Yes, consider an electric car. Because electric cars are cheaper to maintain as their engines have fewer moving parts. Plus, charging an EV is much cheaper than petrol or diesel. According to recent research, experts found that EVs are 23% cheaper to maintain than their ICE( Internal Combustion Engine) counterparts. You can reduce or cut £297 from your average cost of car repairs every year.

• Take Your Car For A Regular Service

You should take your car for regular service every 12,000 miles or 12 months. In case, if you avoid car servicing, this costs you more when you have an MOT. RAC found that 57% of drivers who didn’t have regular service paid between £300 to £1,000 to pass their MOT.

• Clean Your Car Yourself

According to studies, you can save £800 throughout a car’s lifetime which is roughly eight years. So, if you clean your car yourself instead of getting it cleaned at a car wash you can save a handsome amount.

• Perform Regular Maintenance

Knowing when and how to maintain your car for little or no cost can save a lot.

• Drive Carefully

The brakes, transmission, and tires of your vehicle can all last you longer if you are safe behind the wheel. Just take care of a few things and it will lead you to save on the average cost of car repairs per year. For example, breaking gradually, not riding the clutch, avoid hitting potholes and speed bumps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the hardest repair on a car?
Ans: The hardest repair or most challenging repair on a car is transmission, spark plugs, clutch, and replacing an engine.

Q.2 What is the service cost?
Ans: Service costing is the process of identifying all costs associated with building, supporting, and delivering your service.

Q.3 How long do most car repairs take?
Ans: the current nationwide average for cycle time is 12 days.

Wrapping It Up…

Car maintenance is an unavoidable reality that comes with car ownership. As we know, for the health and longevity of the car maintenance and service are important. In this article, we discussed, in brief, the average cost of car repairs per year. And also 5 ways to save on the average cost of car repairs.