What Are The Most Expensive Car Repairs?

Car maintenance isn't cheap. According to a report by Liberty Mutual, the average owner will spend a little over $800 to maintain his or her car in a given year. While most forms of regular maintenance is relatively cheap, major repairs can be a different story. If your car needs any of the five following repairs, you can expect to pay a hefty sum of money.

#1) Airbag Replacement

Airbags are an essential safety feature that, as of 1998, are required in all new cars and light trucks. Because they are buried behind the dashboard, though, replacing them can be a chore. Most owners pay around $750 to $1,500 per airbag replacement. To replace both the driver- and passenger-side airbags in your car, you may end up with a $3,000 bill.

#2) Head Gasket Replacement

Another expensive car repair is a head gasket replacement. Most cars have a two-piece engine consisting of a block affixed with a cylinder head. Between these two parts is a head gasket that seals their respective passages. If the head gasket warps, cracks or otherwise fails, you'll need to replace it, which can cost around $1,000 to $2,000.

#3) Catalytic Converter Replacement

Because it contains precious metals, replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive. Catalytic converts are designed to remove harmful gases from your car's exhaust. To perform this filtration, they require rare and precious metals. Depending on the size and type, you may spend around $1,500 on a standard catalytic converter replacement service.

#4) Transmission Repairs

Even if you don't need to replace it, simply repairing your car's transmission can be expensive. Transmissions contain an array of gears that are difficult, as well as time-consuming, to access. Like with most car repairs, the longer it takes to repair a transmission, the more expensive it will be. Transmission repairs can range from $500 to well over $2,000.

#5) Shock or Strut Replacement

All cars use a suspension system consisting of either shocks or struts. These suspension components are designed to create a smoother riding experience by absorbing the force of your car. Replacing either the shocks or struts, however, may run you anywhere from $300 to $3,000.

While all of these car repairs are expensive, you can oftentimes prevent them with regular maintenance. Follow the maintenance instructions described in your car's owner manual to keep your car in tip-top shape.