The cost of a garage visit can vary depending on the type of service, region and vehicle type. On average, the cost of a simple garage visit, where an inspection or minor repairs are carried out, for example, is between 55 and 165 dollars. A more comprehensive inspection or oil change can also be in this price range.
Particularly expensive services include:
1. Engine: Repairs can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.
2. Transmission: Again, costs can be significant, often in the range of 1097 – 3292 dollars, especially for automatic transmissions.
3. Body damage: Repairs after an accident or large dents can also be very expensive, depending on the extent of the work.
4. Electronics: Complex electronic problems that require diagnostic technology can also drive up costs.
5. Hybrid or electric vehicles: Repairs or maintenance on these types of vehicles are often more expensive because special knowledge and tools are required.
Better to open it if the engine knocks
When it comes to valves, valve clearance can be a common problem, for example. If you have experience with engines, you can try to check and adjust an improper setting yourself. However, it should be noted that this requires special tools and knowledge, which is why a visit to a workshop is advisable in many cases. The same applies to defective valve stem seals, which can cause blue smoke to come out of the exhaust when accelerating.
In the area of ignition, worn spark plugs can cause problems that manifest themselves in difficulty starting and an uneven engine running. Changing the spark plugs is relatively straightforward and can often be done yourself. Another common ignition problem is defective ignition coils, which can cause misfiring and loss of power. Again, experienced DIYers can often change the ignition coils themselves, provided they are easily accessible.
If piston knocking occurs occasionally, using higher quality fuel can help alleviate this problem. Worn or damaged piston rings, on the other hand, are a serious problem that can manifest itself in oil leaks and loss of power. This type of repair should be carried out by professionals in a workshop.
No red card for whistling please
Whistling noises that occur while driving can also indicate various problems and are a warning sign that something is wrong with the vehicle. A common problem is leaks in the engine’s vacuum system. A leaky hose system can cause air to enter the engine, which can create a whistling noise. This noise can often vary depending on how hard the vehicle is accelerated or whether the engine is idling.
Another possible source of suspicious noises are, of course, tires. If these are not fitted correctly or are worn, this can lead to a noticeable whistling noise, especially when the vehicle is driving on wet or slippery roads. If the tires are rolled irregularly, this can also cause noise. You can judge the quality of the tires yourself based on various criteria.
If the gearbox cooler is not working properly, this can also lead to whistling noises. A classic indication of low gearbox oil or other mechanical problems. Then there are inadequate seals in certain areas of the bodywork, which create annoying wind noise, which is perceived as a whistling sound, especially at higher speeds. Checking the oil level is a basic maintenance measure that every vehicle owner should do and be able to do regularly. Car door seals can also usually be maintained yourself.
If you are willing to acquire the necessary knowledge and develop the basic manual skills, you can certainly trust yourself to carry out small repairs on the car. Start with simple tasks and gradually expand your area of activity as you gain more experience. And if a visit to the workshop cannot be avoided, be sure to get cost estimates to avoid unpleasant surprises.
