Colton McComas
Founder & CEO, Fixxr
Colton grew up around his grandfather's repair shop and ran his own mobile mechanic business for several years before founding Fixxr. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from UNC Charlotte and leads Fixxr's work on repair pricing accuracy, reviewing cost guidance for technical correctness.
Articles by Colton
Repair CostsStarter Replacement Cost in North Carolina: Symptoms and Price Ranges
Most starter replacements run $300–$750 in North Carolina, parts and labor included. The symptoms that point to the starter, what drives the price in Charlotte and the Triangle, and how to tell it from a dead battery.
Repair CostsRadiator Replacement Cost in 2026 (and the Warning Signs)
Most radiator replacements run $500–$1,100 in 2026, parts and labor included. What drives the price, the warning signs to catch early, and when it's urgent.
Repair CostsAlternator Replacement Cost in 2026: Parts, Labor, and Real Ranges
Most alternator replacements run $450–$1,000 in 2026, parts and labor included. What drives the price, how to tell it from a bad battery, and when it's urgent.
Repair CostsHow Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost in 2026?
Most water pump jobs run $400–$900 in 2026, more when the pump sits behind the timing cover. What drives the price, the warning signs, and when it's urgent.
Finding a MechanicDealership vs Independent Mechanic: Which Should You Choose?
Dealers charge $150–$250/hour vs $100–$150 at independents — often 25–40% more per repair. When the dealer's worth it, and your Magnuson-Moss warranty rights.
Car DiagnosticsWhy Is My Car Shaking at Highway Speed? Causes & Costs
Highway-speed shaking is usually unbalanced wheels—a $60–$200 fix—but tires, alignment, and worn suspension can cause it too. Here's how to tell which.
Repair CostsWhy Are Catalytic Converters So Expensive to Replace?
Catalytic converter replacement runs $900–$4,400 in 2026. Why precious metals drive the cost and thefts, and why a P0420 code isn't always the converter.
Car MaintenanceHow Often Do You Really Need an Oil Change?
The 3,000-mile rule is outdated. Most cars on full synthetic go 7,500–10,000 miles between changes — here's what your driving habits actually require.
Repair CostsTransmission Repair Cost 2026: $50 to $8,000 (Real Ranges)
How much does transmission repair cost? 2026 ranges: $50 to $300 fluid fix, $200 to $700 solenoid, $2,000 to $3,500 rebuild, up to $8,000 replacement.
Car DiagnosticsCar AC Blowing Hot Air? Recharge vs. Compressor vs. Condenser
Why your car's AC blows hot air: refrigerant leaks, compressor, or condenser failures — with 2026 costs from $150 recharges to $1,500+ compressor jobs.
Finding a MechanicHow to Find a Mechanic You Can Actually Trust
A real framework for evaluating a repair shop before you need one in an emergency, plus the concrete signs of a great shop versus one to avoid.
Repair CostsBrake Job Cost 2026: $150 to $650 Per Axle (Real Prices)
How much should a brake job cost? Pads only $150 to $300, pads and rotors $300 to $650 per axle in 2026, plus what to check before you book brakes near you.
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