The 6 Most Common Car Repairs
Cars, like every machine, don’t last forever. Even the most reliable car is bound to have some problems in its lifetime. In fact, according to the Australian Automobile Association, Australians are spending anywhere between $1,553 to $2,463 every year on servicing and maintenance. That might give you a rough idea of what to expect, but since every make and model is different, it’s hard to know exactly what will break and when. You can’t plan ahead for every problem, and a car repair loan can help if an emergency breakdown hits you at the worst possible time.
But there are some common car repairs that most vehicles will experience, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. So we’ve put together the 6 most common car repairs, as well as a rough price guide. That way you can start saving and prepare for anything the road has in store.
Overview:
- 6 most common car repairs
- How much do common car repairs cost?
- How much is the average service?
- What are the most expensive car repairs?
6 most common car repairs
There are plenty of things every vehicle owner will likely deal with at some point in their lives. Some common car repairs, like topping up your oil or replacing windscreen wipers, can be done yourself. But others should be left to the professionals, especially when it comes to the structural integrity or safety features of your car.
That said, here’s a list of the most common car repairs!
Tyres
Your tyres are the only thing connecting the rest of your vehicle to the road, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. Regular rotations and realignment help make sure your tyres are wearing evenly, which is important for a safe drive.
But flat tyres generally happen one at a time. Puncture repairs are a cheap and quick fix to get you back on the road, but you’ll need to change your tyre first. If you’re one of the 8 million Aussies who don’t know how to change a flat tyre, you can always call a mobile repair service, although it will be more expensive.
You could always replace the flat tyre rather than repairing it, but that’s generally not recommended. Having tyres with significantly different wear can make your car harder to handle and even affect brake performance, which is why it’s normally recommended to fit a full new set when replacing your tyres.
Brake pads
Hearing some nasty screeching noises every time you slow down? Your brakes might be due for a repair or replacement. We all rely on our brakes to prevent accidents and drive safely, so it’s important to know the signs of worn out brakes. If you drive in stop-and-go traffic or rough terrain, they can wear out even faster, so it’s important to keep an ear out.
Brake pads are a common car repair because we use them so much! There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your brakes. Smooth driving can help, as well as regular check ups during your car services.
Windscreen repair
A small chip or crack in your windscreen might not seem like a big deal, but it can have pretty serious consequences. Sure, it could just turn into a bigger crack or eventually lead to a replacement, but it could also lead to serious and even fatal injury if you’re involved in an accident. That’s because your windscreen accounts for up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural integrity.
Small chips and cracks are easy to repair, and often not too expensive. Many auto glass companies will even come to you, repairing the windscreen while your car’s still parked at home or work. However, ignoring the problem can lead to bigger problems, with a full windscreen replacement starting at $200 and only going up depending on your make and model.
Battery replacement
It’s responsible for keeping the lights on, the music pumping, and the cabin comfortable. But it’s also in charge of starting the engine, so if your battery fails, you won’t be going anywhere. A dead battery always seems to hit at the worst time, like when you’re late for work or parked up at a shopping centre.
Luckily, it’s a relatively quick and cheap fix compared to some other car repairs. And there are plenty of mobile battery replacement options that will come to you wherever you’ve been stranded. Just remember not to leave your lights on overnight!
Air-conditioning re-gas
Our Aussie summers make good, working air-conditioning an essential for most drivers. There’s nothing better than hopping in the car and blasting away the sweat with a cool breeze–and there’s nothing worse than getting nothing but hot hair.
Whether it’s sprung a leak or just not been properly serviced, your car’s air-con can often fail without warning. But a re-gas is sometimes all it needs to get the cool air blowing, and luckily it’s a fairly quick and common car repair. Don’t sweat the cost either–a car repair loan from Swoosh can help you stay comfortable in the driver’s seat!
Spark plug replacement
Spark plugs are one of those small but mighty parts that play a big role in the performance of your vehicle. If you’ve noticed your car is using more fuel than it used to, having trouble starting, or struggling to accelerate, a faulty spark plug could be to blame.
Since 2000, just over half of all vehicles manufactured used spark plugs that last less than 100,000KMs, which means there’s a good chance you’ll be paying for a repair or replacement at some point. But depending on your vehicle’s design, it can be an easy DIY for those mechanically minded among you. Doing it yourself can keep the cost down, since all you’ll have to pay for is the parts.
How much do common car repairs cost?
We’ve scoured a range of sources from RACQ to local mechanics to find the average price for most of the common car repairs we’ve listed above. But keep in mind these are all general prices, and don’t take into account specific makes and models, or more complex damage. And as always when you’re looking for car repairs, it’s best to get a range of quotes from different places before moving forward with your repairs.
| Type of repair | Average cost |
| Flat tyre | $30-$50 in store, or $120+ for roadside assistance |
| Brake pad replacement | $150-$350 |
| Windscreen repair | $60-$80 |
| Battery replacement | $100-$200 |
| AC re-gas | $180-$250 |
| Spark plug replacement | $175+ |
| Overheating engine | $110-$165 for diagnosis, up to $5000 for complete engine replacement |
How much is the average service?
Whenever you’re looking to buy a car, you should always factor servicing and maintenance costs into your decision. Mechanics can have different ideas for what’s included in a basic service, but generally they’ll include:
- Oil and filter change: over time, contaminants and dirt build up in your engine oil, which can affect the performance of your vehicle. Replacing the oil and filter keeps everything working like it should
- Fluids top-up: everything from your steering and brakes to your windscreen cleaning relies on fluids that need to be checked and topped up
- Battery test: since it’s responsible for so much that goes on in your car, it only makes sense to keep it in good health
- Wear and tear on essentials: generally speaking, mechanics will inspect and test your brakes, steering, and suspension to check for any issues and recommend repairs if needed
The cost of a service can vary depending on your make and model, the age of your vehicle, and the mechanic you go to. But, based on an average of car service quotes from AutoGuru, you could expect to pay around $331.60 for a logbook service, or $199.20 for a basic service. Below is a more detailed breakdown of service costs for the most popular car makes.
| Make | Logbook Service | Basic Service |
| Ford | $349 | $210 |
| Honda | $258 | $188 |
| Mazda | $301 | $199 |
| Nissan | $325 | $194 |
| Toyota | $326 | $198 |
| Holden | $318 | $206 |
| Hyundai | $308 | $182 |
| Mitsubishi | $407 | $197 |
| Suburu | $339 | $199 |
| Volkswagen | $385 | $219 |
What are the most expensive car repairs?
The most expensive repair will depend on the complexity of your car. That’s because the upgraded technology in most modern vehicles has caused a surge in the total repair price. Parts availability and general inflation also play a role, but, generally speaking, some of the most expensive car repairs include:
- Engine replacements: it shouldn’t come as any big surprise that the main driving force of your vehicle also costs the most to repair when things go wrong.
- Suspension repairs: individually, suspension parts aren’t that expensive. But suspension problems usually happen simultaneously. And since the whole system is responsible for the stability of your ride, it’s best to repair the whole thing.
- Transmission fixes: if you’re hearing crunching or grinding noises every time you change gears, your wallet might be in for an upsetting trip to the mechanic. Your transmission makes for a smooth ride and helps with fuel efficiency, so you need to keep it in good shape.
- Airbags: we all know how important airbags are, but what you might not know is how costly they are to replace. Getting the front seat of your car back in good shape could end up costing thousands. Of course, if your airbag has deployed, it means you’ve probably been in an accident, so insurance might be able to help cover the costs.
Need a hand with your car repair costs?
Car repairs are a fact of life when it comes to owning a vehicle. You can factor them into your budget, but an unexpected breakdown won’t always wait for you to build up an emergency fund. Luckily, Swoosh offers car repair loans to help you fix all the faults and get back on the road. Our friendly team can answer any questions you might have, or you can start our easy online application right now.
FAQs
What is the most common problem in cars?
The most common problem people face in cars is a dead battery or a check engine light. The check engine light can be hard to decipher yourself, so it’s best to take your car to a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem.
How to tell if my car is ok?
If you’re experiencing strange noises or smells from your car, it might be a sign of something wrong. Consult your vehicle’s handbook to check recommended oil and fluid levels. If you can’t find the problem, it’s time for a professional inspection.
How much is a car service?
The cost of a service will depend on your make and model, as well as the general condition of your car prior to booking it into a mechanic. But the average service can cost anywhere between $199.20 to $331.60 in Australia.
