10 Most Common Auto Repair – Being well informed about car repairs is important, especially if you don’t have the equipment, space, time, or capability to work on your own car. With that in mind, here are the top 10 most common repairs that auto mechanics see, and how much they typically cost.
- Oxygen Sensors
It is extremely common for older cars to need new oxygen sensors. The oxygen sensor is a vital component of your exhaust system, which detects unburnt oxygen in your exhaust gases. As your car ages, the oxygen sensor becomes worn and dirty, and will most likely need to be replaced after 60 – 100,000 miles. The average cost for a new oxygen sensor installed is around $250.
- Catalytic Converters
Your catalytic converter neutralizes hazardous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. It can also increase gas mileage and performance. Catalytic converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car, but issues going unfixed in other exhaust system components can wear the catalytic converter beyond repair. In some neighborhoods, it is even common for catalytic converters to be stolen, because they contain expensive precious metals. For this reason, new catalytic converters average $1,150.
- Ignition Coil & Spark Plugs
Ignition coils & spark plugs are another common repair on older cars. Your spark plugs ignite the fuel inside your engine. There are several distinct signs of failing spark plugs that can help you diagnose this problem. The average cost for these repairs together is $390, but much more expensive damage can occur if left untreated. You should bring your car in to CARS Pasadena at the first sign of trouble – it could save you thousands.
- Fuel Cap Replacements
It may not seem that important, but a loose fuel cap is a frequent and inexpensive cause of a check engine light. It can also cause lower performance and gas mileage. A loose fuel cap could cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted gas over a short period of time. The average cost for fuel cap replacement is only $15, so if this is all your check engine light means, consider yourself lucky!
- Thermostats
Your engine’s thermostat measures its temperature, which your vehicle’s computer uses to regulate performance. A faulty thermostat is common on older cars, and a common source of a check engine light. Left untreated, your car will not run optimally, and may damage itself. Thermostat repairs average $210, which is much better than the cost of a new engine!
- Ignition Coils
Although spark plugs & ignition coils were already #3, there are often problems with a vehicle’s ignition system which aren’t caused by spark plugs. Luckily, replacement of ignition coils alone is only about $240, $150 cheaper than replacing both.
- Mass Air Flow Sensors
Your MAF sensor determines the amount of air entering your engine so that your computer can optimize the air-fuel ratio. MAF sensor failure can happen in cars of any age, and the average cost of replacement is $380.
- Spark Plugs
Although spark plugs are already at #3 when replaced with ignition coils, they will also often need to be replaced by themselves. Spark plugs also often require new wires, which can add to the cost. The average cost of new spark plugs and wires is about $330.
9 & 10. EVAP Purge Control Valve / Solenoid
Your EVAP system traps gas vapor in your fuel tank and feeds it back into your engine to reduce harmful emissions & increase mileage, so it can be a serious problem when it isn’t working correctly. This repair costs around $170 on average, and can clear up serious issues with your car.
Whether a big or small repair is necessary, our advice is to address it immediately. Car problems only get worse as time goes on, and it’s important to address small problems as they appear in order to keep your car healthy for years to come. If you do need a repair, or an inspection of any kind, come in to your Certified Auto Repair Specialist of Pasadena today!
