Knowing the facts regarding car repairs can be important, especially when considering the cost of your own repairs. If you’re like us, we’re curious about what problems are most common, and how much those common repairs normally cost. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most common repairs.
1. Oxygen Sensor Replacements
Replacing an oxygen sensor is an extremely common repair in older cars. Your oxygen sensor is a vital component of your exhaust system which detects uncombusted oxygen in your exhaust. As your car ages, your oxygen sensor becomes worn, and is often due for replacement after 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers of use. A moderately expensive repair, oxygen sensors average around $250 to be replaced.
2. Catalytic Converter Replacements
As another component of your exhaust system, your catalytic converter neutralize hazardous compounds in your exhaust such as carbon monoxide. As a result, they also increase gas mileage and performance. Catalytic converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car, however, unattended repair issues in other components of the exhaust system can cause wear and breakdown to the catalytic converter. New catalytic converters runs consumers $1,150 on average (yikes). While aftermarket catalytic converters are a cost-saving option, most owners rely on original manufacturers to receive standardized and trustworthy parts.
3. Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Replacements (Both Together)
Ignition coils and spark plugs are another repair that is common on older cars. Your spark plugs send sparks to your ignition chamber, which allow the fuel to ignite and drive your engine. Failing spark plugs can have several distinct signs, which can help you diagnose this problem. The average costs for both of these repairs together is $390.17, but can cause much more expensive damage if not treated properly. Like with all problems, we recommend to have a licensed mechanic inspect your car at the first sign of trouble - it could save you thousands!
4. Fuel Cap Replacements
You may think this entry looks silly, but a loose fuel cap is a frequent and inexpensive cause of a check engine light. A loose fuel cap can change aspects of the fuel tank that can cause low performance within the engine. And while being an inexpensive repair, it could cost you hundreds of dollars in terms of gas mileage over a short period of time. The average cost for a fuel cap is about $15, so consider yourself lucky if this is all your check engine light means!
5. Thermostat Replacement
The thermostat in your engine measures your engine's temperature, which is used by your car’s computer to regulate performance. A faulty thermostat is another common feature of older cars, and is a common source of your check engine light. You shouldn’t ignore a thermostat repair - you car will either run under capacity or may damage itself under strain. Thermostat repairs average $210, but it’s better than complete engine failure!
6. Ignition Coil Replacements
Coming in at #6 are ignition coil replacements, which may sound familiar as spark plugs and ignition coils came in at #3! Often, there may be problems with ignition systems that aren’t caused by faulty spark plugs, which only warrant the replacement of the ignition coils. Luckily for these folks, ignition coil replacement runs only $236.32 on average, almost $150 cheaper than the combination of spark plugs and ignition coil replacement.
7: Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacements
Your Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF Sensor) determines the amount of air entering your engine for your car’s computer to use when determining the optimal air-to-fuel ratio in your ignition chamber. MAF sensor failure can happen in cars of any age, and their replacements cost on average $382.36.
8. Spark Plug Replacements
Spark plugs, as evidenced by their #3 entry on this list, are a common replacement. Often, spark plugs are replaced in isolation from ignition coils, which grants them #8 on this list. Spark plugs, when repaired in isolation, often have their wires replaced, which can add to the cost. The average cost of replacing spark plugs and wires totals $331.13 on average.
9 and 10. EVAP Purge Control Valve / Solenoid
We put these together because they are often the same thing: your EVAP (evaporative emissions control system) purge control valve, or solenoid. This is the valve that controls your EVAP system, and allows it to function properly. Your EVAP system traps gas vapour that forms in your fuel tank and feeds it back into your engine to reduce harmful emissions and increase mileage, so it is a serious concern when it your EVAP system isn't working. This repair costs around $169.28 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, Fiix can perform any auto repair at your work or your home, often for 30% less than a shop! Book online at fiix.io or call us at 647-361-4449 today!
