You depend on your car to travel from one place to another. When your car breaks down, you cannot run errands, buy groceries, or go to work.
Depending on the necessary work, fixing a car can be expensive. Not everyone has the funds readily available to pay for them, especially if the repairs are unexpected. We’re exploring the most costly and common repairs your car might need.
Signs Your Car is in Need of Repair
Many car issues have warning signs beforehand. Knowing when your car has a problem can help you avoid costly repairs. It can also keep you safe on the road.
Pay attention to any of these signs your car may need repairs:
- Warning lights on dashboard
- Unusual smells or noises
- Fluid leaks
- Car stalls frequently
- Steering issues
- Alignment issues
- Shaking or vibrating
- Decreased efficiency
What Are the Most Common Car Repairs?
The parts in your car wear down over time, and you will eventually need to replace them. While there are countless repairs your vehicle might need, here is a breakdown of the most common auto repairs:
1. Ignition System
A worn ignition system can cause your vehicle to misfire and reduce fuel efficiency. If not changed, it can even cause your catalytic converter to melt. If not replaced when needed, your car might have trouble starting or may not start at all. Replacing each component in this system can add hundreds of dollars.
2. Starter
Driving with a bad starter can leave you stranded if it fails. It can also harm your engine because it puts extra stress on it. It could also lead to needing your flywheel replaced. A starter replacement cost can range from $500 to $800.
3. Transmission
Driving with a bad transmission can cause many problems. You may face overheating, loss of power, and engine damage. Transmission repair can cost up to $1000, while replacements are much more costly, ranging in the thousands.
4. Alternator
When your alternator fails, your battery can’t charge properly, and you’ll experience electrical issues. A new alternator can cost a few hundred dollars. It may cost more if you also need to replace the alternator belt.
5. Catalytic Converter
When your catalytic converter fails, you’ll notice a sulfur smell coming from your exhaust. You won’t be able to pass an emissions test. Driving without one in several states is illegal, so getting it repaired or replaced quickly is vital. Repairing or replacing a catalytic converter can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars. This is due to the expensive materials inside the part.
6. Suspension
If your suspension is bad, your car will be harder to control, and your tires will wear unevenly. This can lead to tire blowouts and accidents. Fixing your car’s suspension can cost a few hundred dollars for simple repairs. More extensive work can cost several thousand dollars. Replacing your suspension can cost up to $5000.
7. Radiator
The radiator cools the engine by taking in cold air and circulating coolant through the engine, which helps release heat. Issues with your radiator can cause your vehicle to overheat. This can cause components to melt and can increase friction within your engine. The cost of getting a new radiator installed can vary from $700 to $1000.
8. Fuel Injectors
Failing fuel injectors can cause misfires and decreased acceleration and power. They can also cause incomplete combustion, leading to carbon buildup in your engine. Fuel injector repair can cost anywhere from $300 to $900. Replacing them is more expensive and can cost up to $2500.
9. EVAP System
EVAP leaks will lead to failed emissions tests and poor fuel efficiency. If left unrepaired, they can damage your entire emissions system. Repairing or replacing your EVAP system costs around $500, depending on the needed work.
10. Head Gasket
When a head gasket blows, you need to replace it as soon as possible. It can cause coolant leaks, compression loss, oil contamination, and eventually, cracks in your engine block. The average price of a head gasket replacement is around $1500.
What Affects The Cost of Auto Repairs?
The cost of car repairs can vary depending on what needs fixing and if parts must be replaced. Another factor is whether you decide to do the work yourself or require a professional. Dealerships and mechanics charge for parts and labor, which can significantly increase the cost of your car repairs.
If you can fix your car yourself, purchasing parts can affect your total costs. This depends on whether you buy original or aftermarket parts. The make and model of your vehicle can affect your costs. Higher-end cars often have more expensive parts and need special tools.
Additionally, you risk doing more damage to the vehicle if the issue is repaired incorrectly or other components are damaged in the process.
How To Pay For Car Repairs
Finding the cash to repair your car can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several options for getting the money you need.
You can save the money over time, but this isn’t a feasible option if you experience a car emergency. However, if you have savings, using them for this purpose is a good idea.
They may offer financing or payment plans depending on where you take your car. However, sometimes, this is through a store or branded credit card, which not everyone will qualify for.
Using a credit card is a common practice, but it can backfire if you’re unable to pay off the balance. Maintaining a high credit card balance can leave you subject to high interest rates and impact your credit score.
If you’re borrowing money to cover car repairs, there are a couple of options you can consider. You might borrow the funds from a family member or friend, but that depends on whether someone has the extra money to lend you. Debt can create complications in your relationships if you do not establish the terms beforehand.
Alternatively, you can apply for an emergency car repair loan. This choice provides the funds you need upfront, allowing you to fix your car while making monthly payments on the loan balance. Even with poor credit, you may still be eligible for an auto repair loan.
Get an Auto Repair Loan From Balance Credit
A car repair loan from Balance Credit gives you the money you need for whatever issues you’re experiencing. If other financing is out of reach because of your financial situation or credit score, you might feel like you’re out of options. But not with Balance Credit. We offer emergency car repair loans for bad credit.
Expensive car repair bills can feel daunting. Our quick approval process means getting your car fixed sooner, getting back on the road, and back to your routine.
