The last thing any car owner wants to experience is an odd rumbling noise from their engine, followed by the sputtering out of their vehicle. When faced with significant engine trouble, the idea of replacing your engine can be daunting, especially as you start to consider the cost.

Learn everything you need to know about engine replacement expenses, the factors that influence pricing, and how you can manage to save on repairs.

Average Cost of an Engine Replacement

Replacing a car engine is a substantial investment that has costs varying widely depending on a number of factors, but on average, you can expect the following guidelines:

• New Engine: Installing a brand-new engine will typically cost anywhere between $4,000-$7,000, but high-performance sports cars or other vehicles can get upwards of $10,000 due to the specific parts needed.
• Rebuilt Engine: Choosing to opt for a rebuilt engine can be a smarter choice for the budget, but it will still cost around $2,500-$4,000 on average. For those unfamiliar, this process involves restoring an engine to its original working condition, thus making it a more affordable investment.
• Manufactured Engine: On the other hand, a remanufactured engine is just an engine that is fully disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt to meet factory standards. This will cost around $3,000-$5,500 on average.

The bulk of the expenses associated with the engine replacement cost can come from the mechanic’s labor. Depending on the complexity and repair rates of the shop, you could be looking at about $1,000 on labor rates alone.

Factors That Influence Engine Replacement Costs

As mentioned, there are quite a few factors that will influence the cost of a new car engine replacement. The most prominent four of those factors include:

• The Make and Model of Your Vehicle: Exotic or luxury car brands will often have a more expensive type of engine and higher labor costs simply due to their complex designs, whereas replacing the engine in compact cars tends to be more affordable.
• The Engine Type: Whether you have a gasoline, diesel, or hybrid engine will directly impact that cost associated with repairing the part, as each is constructed in its own way.
• The Labor Costs: Mechanics who live in high-cost areas typically charge higher hourly rates, which increases the total cost you can expect. Urban areas may also have more competition, though they may potentially offer better deals for your wallet.
• The Location of the Repair Shop: Along the same line of thinking, independent repair shops often have lower rates than dealerships, but the latter may provide certain incentives such as warranties or certified expertise which can offset higher costs.

Signs Your Car Might Need an Engine Replacement

Recognizing the early warning signs that your engine is on the fritz can be cost-effective and prevent further stress. Keep an eye out for your check engine light going on and any smoke coming from the hood of your car. Smoke can vary in color from blue, white, black, or gray, typically, but should always be a cause for concern regardless of the color.

On top of this, if you notice any persistent knocking or tapping sounds, it may indicate worn-out engine components like bearings or pistons. This can also result in other issues such as a loss of power, rough idling, or difficulty accelerating that results in engine trouble. If you also notice your car overheating frequently despite conducting regular maintenance on it, critical engine damage could also be the culprit.

Alternatives to Full Engine Replacement

Depending on your budget, it’s possible that a full engine replacement may just not be in the cards. While you should always find a way to prioritize safety and avoid driving a vehicle with a damaged engine, there are smaller repairs and items to consider that can help. For example, in some cases targeted repairs on gaskets in the engine, such as fixing the head gasket, can restore functionality at a lower cost.

Replacing a head gasket can cost $1,000 to $3,000 on average, but if your total engine repair is double that, any amount saved is beneficial. You can also replace individual parts like the timing chain, cylinder heads, or crankshaft if the problem in your engine only lies with those parts. This is typically cheaper than a full replacement. Finally, also consider installing a used engine from a scrapped vehicle if it’s in good working condition, but be aware that these can have limited warranties and unknown histories.

Preventing Engine Failure Through Regular Maintenance

The best way to save on engine repair costs is to simply ensure that your engine stays in working condition. It is more than possible for a vehicle to run its entire lifespan without having engine issues, so long as you take care of it. Below are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

• Take care of oil changes: Try to stick to your vehicle’s recommended oil change schedule in order to ensure it is properly lubricated while also reducing wear and tear.
• Flush the coolant in your engine: Regularly taking the time to replace the coolant in your engine will help to prevent overheating while also protecting against corrosion.
• Address any minor issues promptly: By taking the time to fix small problems when they arise, such as leaks or odd noises, you can prevent them from becoming major repairs down the line.
• Use quality parts and fluids: Invest in high-quality oils, filters, and components to enhance the performance and longevity of your engine.

How Endurance Auto Protection Covers Engine Repairs

Given all of the above, it’ll likely come as no surprise to learn that engine repairs and replacements are among the most expensive automotive repairs. However, that doesn’t mean the cost of engine replacement needs to be a financial burden. With an extended warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), from Endurance Warranty covering your vehicle, you can have peace of mind on the road that you are covered.

Endurance offers a range of plans, each of which can be customized to your specific needs, but our three flagship plans, the Supreme, Superior, and Secure Plus plans, all offer coverage for 25 various sub-parts under the engine that can lead to issues with the engine block. This means whether your issues are due to the camshaft, pistons, timing chain or belt, valve retainers, push rods, or some other covered part, you can rest easy.

Submitting a claim is quick and easy, and it can provide you with the financial protection you desperately need, as long as the issue was caused by a manufacturer defect.

Stay Protected on the Road with Endurance

No one wants to deal with a faulty vehicle, but having protection with an extended warranty or VSC can help to ensure you get back on the road as soon as possible while saving your wallet. By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can make the overall repair process more manageable. Whether you’re looking to completely replace your engine or seeking targeted and covered repairs, stay informed to find the best path to a resolution.

If you’re interested in learning more about auto protection, contact one of our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote online. You can also simply shop our eStore to get your plan recommendations and pricing now.