Car repair cost guides.
What each common repair actually involves and what it typically costs, in plain English. Know what to expect, so you can plan the work and approve it with confidence.
Brake Pad Replacement
$195 to $460
Brake pads are the wear parts that press against the rotors to slow your car.
Read the guideAlternator Replacement
$520 to $1,150
The alternator recharges your battery and powers the electrical system while the engine runs.
Read the guideStarter Replacement
$460 to $980
The starter is the motor that cranks the engine when you turn the key or push the button.
Read the guideTiming Belt Replacement
$650 to $1,300
The timing belt keeps the top and bottom of the engine turning in sync.
Read the guideCatalytic Converter Replacement
$1,150 to $3,250
The catalytic converter cleans the exhaust before it leaves the car.
Read the guideRadiator Replacement
$520 to $1,150
The radiator sheds the engine's heat into the air passing through it.
Read the guideWater Pump Replacement
$520 to $1,150
The water pump circulates coolant through the engine and radiator.
Read the guideSpark Plug Replacement
$155 to $390
Spark plugs ignite the fuel in each cylinder.
Read the guideAC Compressor Replacement
$910 to $1,700
The AC compressor pumps refrigerant to keep your cabin cool.
Read the guideWheel Bearing Replacement
$330 to $780
A wheel bearing lets the wheel spin smoothly and quietly.
Read the guideStrut and Shock Replacement
$590 to $1,300
Struts and shocks control how your car handles bumps and stays planted.
Read the guideOil Change
$45 to $125
An oil change swaps out the old oil and filter that keep your engine lubricated and clean.
Read the guideCommon repair costs at a glance
Typical parts-and-labor ranges at an independent shop. Tap any repair for the full breakdown.
| Repair | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Pad Replacement | $195 to $460 | 1 to 2 hours per axle |
| Alternator Replacement | $520 to $1,150 | 1 to 3 hours |
| Starter Replacement | $460 to $980 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Timing Belt Replacement | $650 to $1,300 | 3 to 6 hours |
| Catalytic Converter Replacement | $1,150 to $3,250 | 1 to 3 hours |
| Radiator Replacement | $520 to $1,150 | 2 to 3 hours |
| Water Pump Replacement | $520 to $1,150 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Spark Plug Replacement | $155 to $390 | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| AC Compressor Replacement | $910 to $1,700 | 2 to 4 hours |
| Wheel Bearing Replacement | $330 to $780 | 1 to 2 hours per wheel |
| Strut and Shock Replacement | $590 to $1,300 | 2 to 4 hours per pair |
| Oil Change | $45 to $125 | 30 to 45 minutes |
Go deeper
Get a number for your exact car
These guides give you the typical range. For an estimate tuned to your vehicle and area, use the calculators.
Repair cost FAQ
Common questions
How much does a typical car repair cost?
It depends on the repair and your vehicle. Routine jobs like an oil change run under $100, brakes are often a few hundred dollars per axle, and major work like a catalytic converter or transmission can reach well into the thousands. The guides here give a real parts-and-labor range for each common repair so you know what to expect.Why does the same repair cost more on one car than another?
Two things drive it: parts and labor time. Luxury and European vehicles use pricier parts and often take longer to service, and some engine layouts need far more disassembly to reach the same component. That is why a water pump or an alternator can cost noticeably more on one car than another.Are dealership repairs more expensive than independent shops?
Dealerships usually have a higher hourly labor rate and often use factory (OEM) parts, so the same job tends to cost more there. Dealers make the most sense for warranty work, recalls, and complex model-specific issues, while independent shops and mobile mechanics are a great fit for most out-of-warranty repairs.How do I know if a repair quote is fair?
Start with an itemized estimate, check that the parts price is near the going rate and the labor follows standard book time, then compare the total against a typical range for that repair. These cost guides and the free calculators give you that range, and you can scan your estimate with Fixxr for a plain-English read.
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