Heavy traffic, road trips, and driving the kids to extracurricular activities can take a toll on your family’s vehicles. Do you live with constant anxiety that your car may break down or need one of the most common car repairs?
If this sounds like you, you may need a vehicle protection plan to give you peace of mind for your upcoming auto adventures. Here are the three most common car repairs a vehicle protection plan can help you avoid paying out of pocket for.
What Is a Vehicle Protection Plan?
A vehicle protection plan is an agreement between the owner of the vehicle and the provider of the plan. New cars come with warranties from their dealership that protect the car for about a year or two. Warranties may cover the replacement of broken or faulty parts. They may also cover some of the most common car repairs, like the engine, transmission, or drive axle.
What happens after the original warranty expires? You can resume coverage with a vehicle protection plan, which is sometimes called an “extended” warranty, to help you pay for car repairs.
(Here at autopom!, we’re an award-winning marketer of vehicle protection plans. If your warranty has expired, you can contact us to request a free quote!)
How Does a Vehicle Protection Plan Differ from Auto Insurance?
Your auto insurance may protect you if your car is totaled in a crash or gets a ding in a parking lot, but it won’t cover replacement parts or your car’s inner workings. This can leave you in a bind if your engine, steering, or cooling system fails.
What Are the Three Most Common Car Repairs?
The average car repair costs around $350, but sometimes much higher expenses arise. Without a protection plan, you may wonder if it’s cheaper to buy a new car, or pay for a repair to keep your vehicle going. Consider the following three most common car repairs and their associated price tags.
1. Replacing the Steering System
You may not know that steering your car involves a variety of mechanical and electrical components, including the steering rack and several pinions (circular, ridged components that function as gears). When any part of this system breaks down, you may be unable to turn your wheel or have trouble moving the car from left to right. You may also notice that your turns no longer feel smooth. Replacing an entire rack-and-pinion steering system can set you back more than $1,500. This price may vary depending on where you live and which shop you choose.
2. Fixing the Radiator
Is your radiator leaking fluid, overheating, or making a strange noise? Whether or not your car’s heating or air conditioning is working correctly, fixing the radiator will cost a big chunk of change. A radiator repair may cost around $300 to $1,000.
3. Repairing or Replacing the Engine
Your engine is the heart of your car. If it’s not working properly, your car won’t drive at all. Installing a new engine can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,500. While used engines may only cost around $400 at the low end, you’ll also have to pay for the labor, possible shipping, and other costs included in its installation. Choosing a vehicle protection plan that covers engine repairs can offer you peace of mind.
Learn More About the Most Common Car Repairs
Dealing with the most common car repairs is a fact of life, but you don’t have to accept the high price tags! Ditch your auto anxiety and get in touch with autopom! today to learn more about vehicle protection plans. Our qualified team will help you select the right one for your car. Plus, thanks to our partnership with RepairPal, you can find affordable repairs at over 2,600 certified shops nationwide.
Sources:
https://brandongaille.com/29-auto-repair-industry-statistics-and-trends/
https://repairpal.com/estimator/rack-and-pinion-replacement-cost
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-much-does-it-cost-to-replace-an-engine/
