When something goes wrong with your car, the bill is what really matters. Knowing which jobs sit at the top end of the scale, and which are more common car repairs, is a good way to prepare for the unexpected. It also helps to establish where car repair finance can take the sting out of costs when they land at the worst possible time.
1. Engine Repairs
Nothing makes a driver wince quite like engine repairs. A complete engine replacement is one of the most expensive fixes on the road. For a standard family car, you could be looking at £1,500-£5,000. In many cases, the cost of car repairs at that level outweighs the value of the vehicle itself. Some owners choose to scrap or sell rather than pay out, but that’s not always an option if you need a working car quickly.
Head gasket issues also fall under engine repairs that hit the wallet hard. Replacing a blown gasket costs £662 on average, but in theory it can stretch much higher depending on the car. It’s one of those problems that can escalate really easily if ignored, too, often leading to full engine failure. Spotting the early signs of overheating or loss of power and sorting it quickly can save a fortune.
2. Electric Car Repair Jobs
Drivers making the switch to electric are saving money on fuel and routine servicing, but the increased cost of repairs is something to keep an eye on. The traction battery is the single most expensive part in an EV. Replacing one averages about £7,200, which is eye-watering. The good news is that these batteries are built to last for years. The bad news is that if one does fail outside warranty, the bill is huge.
3. Transmission & Clutch Repairs
Gearboxes are high on the list of expensive jobs. Manual gearboxes usually cost somewhere between £500 and £2,500 to repair or replace. Automatic gearboxes tend to be more complex, so the price can easily run to £5,000 for certain makes. Regular servicing and driving smoothly can extend gearbox life, but when one fails, the cost of the car repair is usually high.
Clutches are another repair that often crosses into four-figure territory. The average clutch replacement in the UK is anywhere between £500 and £1000. If the flywheel is damaged as well (which isn’t uncommon), the bill rises further. For city drivers constantly in stop-start traffic, clutch wear comes sooner and makes this one of the more common car repairs people need over a car’s lifespan.
4. Catalytic Converters & Fuel Systems
Catalytic converters are built with precious metals, which makes them really expensive to replace. A failed or stolen unit can cost up to £900. Rising theft rates in some regions add to this risk. Keeping your car parked in well-lit or secure spots helps, but if you are unlucky enough to need a replacement (and it’s not covered by your insurance), then it’s a serious hit to the wallet.
Fuel injectors can also rack up car repair costs.
They can cost up to £350 per injector. As modern engines rely on precise fuel delivery, even one faulty injector can cause major running issues, so garages often recommend replacing them all together. Using decent quality fuel and servicing the system can stretch their lifespan.
5. Mid-Range, but Still Painful
Not all jobs run into the thousands, but even repairs in the hundreds can come as an unpleasant surprise.
Alternators
The unit that charges your battery and powers electrics often costs £150 to £300 to replace. In rare cases, premium cars can climb towards £1,000.
Starter motors
When they fail, a replacement usually sits around £200. Not the worst bill, but still one of those that often comes out of the blue.
Suspension parts
Replacing a pair of coil springs might cost about £225. Shock absorbers can be in a similar range. These are safety-critical, so delaying them is never a smart move.
6. Lower-cost Common Car Repairs
Plenty of jobs come in at the lower end of the scale. These repairs are often classed as wear and tear, so while they happen more regularly, they can be easier to manage.
Brake pads
Replacing front pads usually costs around £127, with rears about £121. That means roughly £250 for a full set. Discs usually cost more.
Batteries
Standard 12V batteries in petrol and diesel cars cost £50 to £150 for most models. They are straightforward to fit, and many garages will swap one in minutes.
Bulbs and fuses
Headlight bulbs can cost as little as £21 to replace, and fuses even less. These are the cheapest fixes most drivers will ever face.
Wiper blades
Often around the £10 mark, they are easy to change yourself and keep visibility clear.
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Our solution is already in use with garages and dealerships across the UK. If you want to see how it could help you handle the cost of your car repairs, find a merchant near you today. Or, for more information, get in touch with our team here.
FAQs
How do I know if the cost of a car repair is fair?
Get at least two quotes from different garages, or check online guides like the RAC or Which? for average repair costs.
Why does the cost of a car repair vary so much between garages?
Labour rates, parts quality, and the type of garage all make a difference. City garages often charge more due to higher overheads.
Do electric cars cost less to service overall?
Yes, in general. EVs tend to have fewer moving parts, so routine servicing is cheaper. That said, when something major does go wrong, the cost of the car repair can be much higher than with petrol or diesel cars.
What should I do if I can’t afford an urgent car repair?
The best option is to find a garage that offers flexible financing like Payment Assist. That way, you can get 0% interest finance and split the cost of your car repair into instalments without hidden fees.
