What Are the Most Expensive Car Parts to Replace?

It might seem that every car repair job is pricey, but there are some that are more costly car repairs than others. The worst news a car owner can hear is that they need expensive car parts to replace broken ones. This list will show you which car parts are most costly to replace, so you’ll know whether or not it’s worth replacing for your vehicle.

  • Air conditioning compressor
  • Brake line
  • Head gasket
  • Camshaft
  • Suspension
  • Transmission
  • Hybrid or electric car battery
  • Car engine

8. Air conditioner compressor

A vehicles’ air conditioner compressor raises the temperature and pressure of the vapor refrigerant. The cost to replace an air conditioner is an average of $500 for a replacement. If you need to add more Freon to a new compressor, that raises the price even more.

7. Brake line

The brake lines are vital to a car’s overall brake performance and function. They enable pedal pressure into stopping power. Most cars feature hydraulic brake systems, which use fluid to transfer the pressure applied by your foot to the brake. If your brake line breaks down, it can lead to potentially deadly consequences. It is responsible for the functionality of the vehicle’s entire braking system. Getting one of these replaced will cost roughly $1,000.

6. Head gasket

the head gasket is compressed between the engine block and the cylinder head. It seals in the internal combustion process and keeps coolant and oil from mixing as they travel from the engine block to the cylinder head. This car part is one of the more expensive car repairs out there, with a cost of about $2,000. The head gasket itself isn’t too pricey, but the labor involved in removing and replacing it can make this much more costly.

5. Camshaft

The camshaft is an engine part that provides the opening and closing valves. Without a working camshaft, the engine will start gathering dust and dirt. Unfortunately, a camshaft replacement can cost as much as $3,000 for labor and materials. That’s not to mention labor costs, which will vary.

4. Suspension

A car’s suspension system helps smooth out how the vehicle rides, providing both control and comfort. Now, we approach the most expensive car parts with a cost as high as $3,500 to replace your suspension. This is only for a full suspension as individual sections, like shocks and struts, are pretty cheap by themselves.

3. Transmission

The transmission is one of the most basic yet important parts of a vehicle. Without a working transmission, your wheels can’t turn, and your car is practically useless. Replacing this essential component costs $6,000 on average.

2. Hybrid or electric car battery

Hybrid and electric car batteries tend to have an average lifespan of 10 years. Since these batteries require rare-earth metals to properly function, a battery replacement can cost as much as $6,000, which makes it one of the most expensive car parts to replace, even as it’ll become more common in the years to come.

1. The engine

The most expensive part to repair is the car engine. Replacement of a car engine can cost upwards of $10,000 in a small car and even more in a truck or SUV. It may be better off to replace the car instead of just replacing the engine in some cases.

Whether you’re selling your car or buying parts, our Massachusetts salvage yard can assist you. At Nationwide Auto Recycling, we salvage car parts from older and end-of-life vehicles. Contact us today to learn more.