Your car is one of your most essential possessions, and keeping it in good condition is necessary. But car maintenance can be costly. Even minor breakdowns, such as a loose wheel nut, could cost you hundreds of dollars.
However, some car repairs can be so expensive, sometimes disrupting all your travel plans. Things could escalate further if you lack comprehensive car insurance, meaning you have to pay everything out of pocket.
Here is a quick look at six of the costliest car repairs that could disrupt your travel plans.
1. Engine Replacement
Engine replacement is by far the single costliest car repair. Depending on the car model and year, replacing your vehicle’s engine could cost you between $3000 and $7,000. With this price tag, it is easy to see why many car owners put off engine repairs for as long as possible.
Several problems could lead to engine replacement, including high fuel consumption, defective spark plugs, leaking coolants, and worn timing belts. Early detection of these issues can go a long way in preventing engine failure.
So, ensure you take your car for regular servicing to keep your engine in top condition. Simple measures, such as checking the oil level regularly and topping it up, can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. Transmission Replacement
The transmission system in a car is responsible for transferring the power produced by your engine to the wheels. It also aids in shifting gears so that you can accelerate, decelerate, and stop safely.
Because of its vital role, your transmission has to take a lot of wear and tear over time. To keep it functioning correctly, you must take your vehicle for regular maintenance as the auto manufacturer recommends.
Common signs that you need your transmission repaired may include grinding noises, slipping gears, and fluid leaks. However, the cost of fixing a faulty transmission can range between $1000 to $5000, depending on the severity of the damage.
3. Suspension Replacement
A car’s suspension system includes shock absorbers, springs, control arms, struts, and other components. These parts work cohesively to provide a comfortable ride and prevent your car from shaking at high speeds.
Over time, the components of your suspension system wear out due to continuous use. If not fixed promptly, a worn-out suspension could pressure other parts of your car, causing them to fail faster than usual.
Fixing the entire suspension system of your vehicle can cost anywhere between $1000 to $5,000. You can save on such costs by addressing minor issues with each part of the suspension before they become a bigger problem.
4. Timing Belt Replacement
A timing belt is a toothed belt that connects the engine crankshaft to the camshaft. It ensures both the engine and the cam run simultaneously at optimum speeds, producing the necessary power to run your car.
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You should replace your timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles to prevent premature wear of the engine components. If you fail to do so, the timing belt may split and damage other components of your car, including valves, pistons, and camshaft.
Timing belt replacement can cost you between $300 and $1000. While this might not sound expensive at first, consider the cost of replacing the other parts of the engine if the timing belt snaps while you’re driving.
5. Head Gasket Replacement
The head gasket prevents coolant and oil from leaking into the engine’s cylinders. If your car’s head gasket fails, your engine could overheat and eventually fail.
Head gaskets themselves cost a few hundred dollars. But due to the complex nature of the repairs, the labor cost may be twice the price of the part itself. So, you should expect to pay between $1600 to $2000 to fix a cracked head gasket.
6. Camshaft Replacement
The camshaft must be in perfect condition for an engine to function correctly. The camshaft keeps the valves open and closed in the proper order and speed, allowing fuel and air to enter the combustion chamber.
A worn-out camshaft might cause a domino effect, eventually resulting in complete engine failure. Therefore, you must replace your car’s camshaft as your manufacturer recommends to avoid such an outcome.
Like the head gasket, the labor costs for replacing a camshaft will be considerably higher than the price of the part itself. You can expect to spend between $1300 and $1700 for the repair.
What if a Reckless Driver Damaged Your Car?
Besides the expensive car repairs resulting from wear and tear of different components, car accidents can also cause significant damage to your vehicle. Examples of common auto collision repairs include replacing damaged body parts like bumpers and windshields.
Fortunately, if your car was damaged in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may recover compensation from the at-fault party or their insurer. However, involving a lawyer in a car accident claim or a lawsuit is always advisable.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Typically, the role of a lawyer is to ease your burden and help you get the best possible outcome. They often help in evidence collection, investigating your claim, and dealing with the other party’s insurer. If your case goes to trial, a car accident attorney may also represent you in court.
