Outline:
- Car Battery Issues
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Alternator Issues
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Engine Issues
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Broken Drivetrain Issues
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Tire Issues
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Bad Brake System
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Fluid Issue
- How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
- What Do You Need To Do?
- Looking For A Trusted Auto Repair Shop
When car problems come up, they can be a real downer. Whether it’s something small like a flat tire or something more severe like the car won’t start, car problems are never good and always cause stress.
Don’t worry. This blog article will teach you everything you need to know about automobile repairs, from how much each issue costs to what kind of car repair work is required in fixing those issues.
Car Battery Issues
Car battery-related issues are as given below:
- Dead Battery: The car will not start because the battery is dead.
- Low car battery voltage: Lights may be dim, and the vehicle may struggle to start.
- Bad car battery connections: Caused by corrosion, preventing the car from starting or running correctly.
- Dim headlights: A weak battery won’t be able to power all the electrical components in your car, which will cause them to dim when you turn on the headlights.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
A new car battery typically costs around $50-$100, but installation will generally run you an extra $15-$25. If your cables are corroded, that’s an additional $30 or so for a new set of wires.
What Do You Need To Do?
If your car has a bad connection, you’ll need to clean the terminals and posts on the battery using a wire brush (or a toothbrush if that’s all you have). If the corrosion is nasty, you might need to remove the battery and soak it in vinegar overnight.
Alternator Issues
The alternator is responsible for keeping your car’s battery charged, and problems with it can cause:
- Car won’t start: The alternator isn’t providing enough power to the battery.
- Battery dies quickly: This could signify that the alternator isn’t working correctly.
- Dashboard lights flicker or dim: Again, this could be a sign of an alternator issue.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
If your alternator needs replacement, that will generally set you back around $200-$300. However, some carmakers have alternators not meant to be replaced, so you might need to buy an entirely new alternator.
What Do You Need To Do?
If your car has an alternator issue, the best thing to do is take it to a mechanic. They will test the alternator and tell you if it needs to be replaced or not.
Engine Issues
There are a few different engine issues you could experience, as given below:
- No start – The engine won’t turn over at all.
- Hard start – It takes a lot of effort (or cranking) to get the engine running.
- Runs rough – The engine misfires and runs roughly.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
Engine repairs vary widely, but they generally run between $200-$500. If you can do the car repair yourself, you can save around 50% of that amount.
What Do You Need To Do?
If your car won’t start at all or is having a hard time starting, then there could be an issue with either spark plugs or ignition coils (or both). The other engine problems mentioned typically indicate something wrong with the fuel injectors and pressure regulator.
Broken Drivetrain Issues
The transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differentials are all drivetrain components. If any of these are damaged or broken in some manner, it can cause your automobile to:
- Not moving at all – A broken driveshaft typically causes this.
- Sluggish movement – Caused by a damaged transmission, making the vehicle difficult to drive.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
Drivetrain repairs generally range from $400-$1000, but if you need a new transmission or other major components, that could set you back thousands of dollars.
What Do You Need To Do?
If your car isn’t moving at all, the most likely problem is with the driveshaft. The problem is expected with the transmission if it’s just sluggish movement. Bring your automobile to a mechanic for an inspection to determine the precise problem and how much it will cost to repair.
Tire Issues
Several car issues can result from bad tires, including:
- Unusual wear – This could be the sign of something wrong with your car’s suspension or steering system.
- Loud noise when driving – If you hear loud screeching or growling noises while driving, this is likely due to uneven tire wear, which can indicate things like broken control arm bushings and ball joints needing replacement.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
Excessively worn tires rarely cost more than $40-$50 each. Aligning the front end costs between $60 and $120, depending on what needs to be aligned (front wheels/suspension vs. all four wheels). And new tire costs? That will depend on the car, but you can generally expect to pay at least $200 for a new set.
What Do You Need To Do?
If you detect an unusual sound emanating from your vehicle, the first thing to do is have it inspected. Tire issues can often be fixed without having to replace them, so it’s essential to have a professional look at the car and determine the root of the problem.
Bad Brake System
Worn or damaged brake pads are one of the most common car problems, and they can cause:
- Squeaking brakes – This usually means that the brake pads are worn down and need replacing.
- Grinding Sound – Brakes grind a more severe problem that indicates metal scraps against metal (generally because the brake rotors are too thin).
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
Replacing brake pads typically costs between $50-$100 if the brake rotors need to be replaced, another $100-$200 to the total cost.
What Do You Need To Do?
If your car’s brakes make a loud noise when you apply them, the brake pads are most likely worn down and need to be replaced. Bring your automobile in for a check-up as soon as feasible; don’t wait till they’re all gone because then you’ll have to replace the rotors as well.
Fluid Issue
Signs of the fluid issue in a car are:
Leaking fluid: This is often a sign of a car’s engine or transmission problem.
Low fluid levels: If you see the “low coolant” light come on, it means that your car’s cooling system isn’t working correctly and could overheat.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix?
Fluid leaks can be difficult to pinpoint because they may not always be visible. However, if the mechanic takes apart parts of the car engine or transmission, that will add additional costs. Repairing a leaky radiator, for example, generally ranges from $200-$300.
What Do You Need To Do?
If you detect any leaking fluids, have the car checked out as soon as possible. Bring it in even if the fluid isn’t necessarily low because that could be a sign of a bigger problem. Low fluid levels can also cause the car to overheat, so it’s essential to address this issue right away.
These are seven of the most common car problems, but many others can occur. By being aware of what these problems look like and what could be causing them, you’ll be able to stay on top of car maintenance.
Looking For A Trusted Auto Repair Shop
We at Dependable Car Care are here to help with all things automobile. Whether you need to change the engine oil, replace the air filters, or get the car serviced, we can assist.
Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality service and customer satisfaction–and that’s why our customers keep coming back time after time! If there’s anything else you want us to do for you with your car (or if this is your first visit), don’t hesitate to call or come on by today!
