Let’s face it – whether you’re driving a brand-new Cadillac straight off of the lot, or purchasing a used vehicle, you’re going to be faced with quite a few repairs over the lifetime of your car, especially if you plan on keeping it for a long time.
No car lasts forever – and eventually, you’re going to need to repair and maintain your vehicle, whether due to routine mechanical failure or an accident.
However, not all repairs are the same. Some repairs like replacing a cracked windshield or car battery are quick and affordable. One the other hand, issues like critical engine failure can easily cost you thousands of dollars, potentially totaling your car.
So in this article, we’re going to go over the top 5 most expensive car repairs – and the steps you can take to avoid them.
5. Head Gasket Failure – $1,500-$2,000
The head gasket is what seals your engine cylinders preventing coolant and oil from leaking out. If your head gasket fails, the results can be messy – engine fluids will spray everywhere, and you may be unable to drive your car.
Head gaskets themselves only cost a few hundred dollars, but the repair process is very labor intensive, so the overall cost of repair is quite high.
The best way to avoid this problem is by regularly maintaining your car, and ensuring that your engine isn’t overheating – heat buildup is the most common cause of head gasket failure, as the gasket can warp due to the intense heat and pressure of the engine.
4. Camshaft – $1,500-$3,000
The camshaft is what helps control the intake of air in your car’s engine. If it’s not maintained, it can often get clogged with debris and dirt – eventually failing entirely.
Again, the camshaft itself isn’t a particularly complex or expensive part, but the labor involved in replacing the part means that you’re going to be looking at a hefty repair bill – so you’ll want to avoid camshaft failure, if at all possible.
Lucky for you, it’s quite easy to keep your camshaft in good condition. Simply ensure that you have it checked and cleaned whenever you go through an oil change or a regular cleaning/inspection. If it’s kept clear of debris, your risk of camshaft failure will be dramatically reduced.
3. Suspension – $2,500-$3,500
The suspension of your car consists of the shocks, springs, struts, rods, and control arms that help your vehicle absorb bumps in the road.
Over time, parts can wear out – and if they’re not replaced, you may need a comprehensive suspension overhaul, which will cost you a hefty chunk of change.
To avoid replacing the entire suspension, keep a close eye on how your car is riding. If it swings to the side, feels as if it’s bumpier than usual, or you notice any other suspension issues, get it checked out right away – if you replace the problem part early, you could avoid a total suspension overhaul.
2. Transmission – $4,000-$5,000
If your transmission fails, your car isn’t going anywhere. This complex system is what truly drives your car – it converts engine power into power usable by the driveshaft of your car, which powers your wheels.
If your transmission fails completely, you’re looking at a very expensive repair, as multiple components will be damaged by critical transmission failure.
Because your transmission is very mechanically complex, it experiences quite a bit of wear and tear compared to the rest of your vehicle – so keep an eye on your car’s performance if you want to avoid a total transmission overhaul.
Signs of transmission issues include slipping gears, a dragging clutch, strange “burning” smells, and humming noises when the car is parked. If you’re unsure about the health of your transmission, have it looked at by a professional – better safe than sorry.
1. Critical Engine/Cylinder Failure – $7,000-$10,000+
Are you surprised? Probably not – critical engine failure is well-known as the single most expensive car repair. If you suffer from serious cylinder failure or damage to your engine block, chances that the entire engine will have to be replaced – or else your vehicle will never be driven again.
Often, the cost of repairing this damage makes simply purchasing a new vehicle a better investment.
There are quite a few reasons that an engine can fail – and most of them have to do with failing to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle. If you fail to perform regular oil changes, ignore oil leaks, or fail to maintain your car’s cooling system, your engine could be at risk of failure.
So keep your engine well-maintained and have it inspected whenever you take your car into a mechanic – if you don’t, you could end up with a gigantic repair bill, and a useless vehicle.
Need Your Car Inspected Or Repaired? Come To Ride Time!
Whether you suspect that you may be at risk of one of these problems, or you’re just in need of routine inspection and maintenance, come to Ride Time in Winnipeg today!
At our new Winnipeg location, we have 8 different service bays, and our experienced mechanics and staff are here to help you take care of your vehicle, and ensure that you minimize your risk these expensive repairs.
So don’t leave your car’s health up to chance. Come on in to Ride Time, and we’ll make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape!
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