It can get pretty overwhelming when the mechanic is running through a list of repairs you’re unfamiliar with and are going to cost a fortune. Don’t get caught nodding and paying an exorbitant amount for something you don’t need done. Here is a good list of some common car services and what they are.
Air filter replacement: The air filter in your engine prevents dirt and dust from clogging it and restricting air flow. It’s suggest that you replace your air filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. It should only cost between $30-$65 and take about 10-20 minutes.
Tire rotation: This service in preformed to ensure that your tire are riding and wearing equally. It is recommended that you get your tires rotated 5,000 to 7,5000 miles. It usually takes about 30 minutes and should only cost around $35.
Transmission flush: About every 30,000 to 60,000 miles the fluid in your transmission should be flushed to prevent contaminates from deteriorating the fluid and engine break down. This service should be done with a machine and can take up to an hour. It can be more costly, pricing around $125 to $240.
Timing belt replacement: The timing belt on your vehicle should only need to be replaced around every 60,000 to 106,000 miles, but can be a costly and time consuming process. The average price for a timing belt replacement is $400 and can take around three to four hours. Make sure you know the status of your timing belt and when it needs to be replaced.
New Struts: Your struts or shock absorbers are what keep your vehicle riding smooth. There isn’t an exact milage when they should be replaced but they should be checked regularly. It can cost around $600 to $850 to replace both struts and take about 3.5 hours.
Synthetic oil change: If you ever go to the mechanic and they start talking about a synthetic oil change, expect a significant increase in expense over your $15 oil change. It cost around $75 to replace your oil with synthetic oil, but it is not necessarily a bad idea. Synthetic oil needs to be changed less often and tends to perform better in more extreme temperatures as opposed to regular oil. It should only take about 30-45 minutes.
No Comments