Do you notice that your trips to the auto repair shop are much more expensive than they used to be? You’re wrong. Car parts are becoming more and more expensive.
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Inflation, theft and other factors have caused the prices of many car accessories to rise dramatically. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives so you don’t have to spend a fortune on every replacement.
Here’s advice from automotive and financial experts if you need to cut your car repair costs a little.
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Batteries
You left your lights on and now you need a new battery? You’d be surprised how much car batteries cost these days. The cost can range from $100 to $200. Of course, an electric car battery costs a lot more. The cost of replacing an electric vehicle’s battery can be as much as $25,000.
“Car batteries have become significantly more expensive, and there are several reasons for this,” says Ben Michael, director of autos at Michael & Associates. “One of them is that the parts needed to build these batteries have themselves become more expensive. Issues such as inflation and supply shortages in recent years have made many battery parts and materials more expensive, which in turn has made the batteries themselves significantly more expensive. And as electric vehicle production increases, so does the demand for such products, leading to even further price increases.”
The next time you need a battery, you may want to opt for reconditioned batteries to cut costs, according to Shawn Miller, a senior editor at Modified Rides. “(Look for) reconditioned batteries or lesser-known brands that still offer good warranties. These can be found at local auto repair shops or online retailers like Amazon.”
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Tires
Tire replacement is not a cheap affair. Costs can range from $50 to $1,000 per tire. “Tire prices have increased by about 20 to 30%, due to higher raw material and transportation costs, as well as tariffs,” said Alex Lirette, the founder of Orbital Seo.
Miller said tire prices have risen due to rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions. To get a better deal, he recommended looking off the beaten path.
“Consider purchasing quality used tires or opt for no-name tires that meet safety standards,” Miller said. “You can find these at local tire shops or online marketplaces like eBay.”
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Engine oil
To keep your engine in good condition, you may have needed to buy motor oil, but were then surprised at the high price. You could spend between $30 and $40 per bottle.
Miller said the jump in prices is due to inflation and the rising cost of crude oil. Miller said one way to save money is to avoid using branded motor oil.
“Generic or private label oils often offer the same protection at a lower price,” Miller said. “Look for deals at major retailers like Walmart or auto parts stores like AutoZone.”
Brake pads
It is recommended that brake pads be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. For most drivers, that’s about every two to five years. Unfortunately, due to higher manufacturing and material costs, brake pads have become more expensive, Miller said. Brake pads cost between $20 and $150 per wheel.
Miller said looking into aftermarket options can save money.
“Opt for aftermarket brake pads, which you can find at significantly lower prices without compromising on safety,” Miller said. “Sites like RockAuto offer a variety of affordable options.”
Windscreen wipers
Depending on the climate you drive in, you may need to replace your wipers fairly frequently. Miller said replacement has become more expensive due to material shortages. Again, he said you can save money by not just going with name-brand products.
“Generic or store-brand wipes are often just as effective,” he said. “Check stores like Costco or Target for inexpensive options.”
Catalysts
If you’ve ever had your catalytic converter stolen, you know how annoying and expensive it can be to replace it.
“The cost of catalytic converters has increased by as much as 200 percent due to the rising cost of precious metals such as palladium and rhodium, as well as an increase in theft,” said Lirette.
Replacing your catalytic converter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. To get a better price on the replacement, Lirette recommends looking into aftermarket catalytic converters.
However, you should do more to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, as it is a fairly expensive repair.
Anthony Kane, director of AutohausAZ, recommends installing anti-theft protection: “The best advice I can give is to purchase an anti-theft device. These are available on Amazon or from numerous independent seller websites such as Cat Strap or Cat Shield and are definitely worth the investment. These devices come in either a cover, strap or cable and will deter potential thieves.”
semiconductor
“Semiconductors and chips, which are critical for modern vehicles, have seen price increases of 50 to 100 percent due to a global shortage exacerbated by the pandemic,” Lirette said. In 2022, the average price of a semiconductor for a car was $540.
Lirette said you can save some money by looking at the used market. “Opting for refurbished or used electronic control units (ECUs) can be a cost-effective solution.”
Kane agreed, but said to shop around to make sure you’re getting a good part at a good price. “Make sure the part is compatible with your make, model and year, and that you’re buying it from a reputable seller with some sort of warranty or hassle-free return policy. ECUs can get expensive, so it’s important to do a little price shopping before you buy. Most online auto parts retailers offer multiple options for the same part number, so you have choices when it comes to brand, quality and price.”
Improved lighting
More and more car owners want to upgrade their lighting to LED and HID options, but these have become quite costly.
Kane said it might be worth looking into a different type of lighting to save some money. “While both options offer better visibility and, frankly, look cooler, you can save money by using traditional halogen bulbs instead. Much like ECUs, headlights and headlight assemblies can be very expensive.
Fortunately, with a little price comparison, you can often find headlights for a third of the price of original parts. Reputable brands like DEPO, TYC and Dorman all offer relatively inexpensive headlight assemblies.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Car Accessories Whose Prices Have Skyrocketed—and How to Find Cheaper Alternatives
