Auto Repairs are Unavoidable

Sooner or later, something will break, wear out or fail on every car and truck. Parts that most often wear out include brakes, tires, mufflers, batteries, filters, alternators, starters, water pumps, belts and hoses. At high mileage, you may experience engine or transmission problems.

Nothing lasts forever, so when your vehicle needs repairs you obviously want to know how much it is going to cost. Most reputable shops should give you an estimate that lists which parts need to be replaced, the labor charge to replace those parts, any charges for diagnostic time, and any additional charges for miscellaneous items such as shop supplies, hazardous waste disposal fees, etc.

Many shops also have a separate diagnostic fee. This covers the time it takes to connect a scan tool to your vehicle and read out any fault codes that may be in the vehicle's computer. The diagnostic charge typically ranges from $75 to $100 or more.

Repair Labor Rates

Labor is usually the most expensive item on most auto repairs. The longer it takes a technician to replace a part, the more you are going to pay. Accessibility is a major issue on many late model vehicles. Some parts can be very difficult and time-consuming to replace. Time is money, and most shops charge $60 to $90 or more per hour for labor.

We want to help you make a smart decision about a Service Protection Program that is right for you, so we have provided a list of typical costs for some common repairs:

*Based on average repair costs. Actual costs paid may vary.