High inflation has impacted many facets of life, including automobile repairs. CNBC reports that the cost to fix a car in 2023 increased by 20% over the previous year. That’s a significant hit to anyone’s wallet, especially for a car owner on a budget. Yet, automotive upkeep is essential for staying on the road. However, car repairs don’t have to lead to sticker shock.

With this in mind, it’s important to investigate some fixes that won’t break the bank and will give your vehicle a better chance of longevity. Here, you’ll learn why these projects are vital to your car’s health, if a DIY approach makes sense, and the price of repair costs. Pricing information is gathered from RepairPal and Kelley Blue Book and based on repairs for mainstream car brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota in March 2025. Luxury brands and performance models will cost more.

Top Wallet-Friendly Car Repairs

Oil Changes and Routine Fluid Replacements

Keeping the engine in top running condition is fundamental to car ownership. This starts with regular oil changes. This essential task minimizes internal engine wear, helps with functionality and longevity, and can improve fuel economy. It can be tempting to stretch out service intervals, including for other fluids, but staying current with maintenance is the best way to prevent expensive repairs later.

• Repair Frequency: Every 3,000-7,500 miles for oil changes; other fluids vary by manufacturer recommendations and driving conditions
• DIY Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate—requires basic tools and attention to detail
• Signs It’s Overdue: Dark or dirty oil on dipstick, dashboard warning lights, unusual engine noises, decreased performance
• Price Range: $30-80 for a DIY oil change; $50-$147 at service centers. Other fluid replacements typically range from $20-$250 per system.

The transmission, cooling system, brakes, and power steering also require regular fluid servicing. The frequency of this work depends on the vehicle and its use. Maintaining proper fluid levels and a replacement schedule are equally as vital for extending your car’s lifespan. See below for more information about coolant and brake fluid.

Brake Pad Replacements

Brakes are your first line of defense for vehicle safety. Regular brake pad replacement is critical for stopping power while preventing more expensive rotor damage.

• Repair Frequency: Every 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions
• DIY Difficulty Level: Intermediate—requires mechanical knowledge and proper tools
• Signs It’s Overdue: Squealing or grinding noises when braking, increased stopping distance, brake pedal vibration
• Price Range: $50-$150 for DIY (parts only); $266-$322 professional installation per axle

Brake pad replacement can often be planned since these components don’t suddenly wear out (assuming you haven’t ignored the warning signs). Most auto repair shops will perform a brake inspection as part of routine maintenance. So, you should know ahead of time when the pads will need replacing.

Battery Replacement

Keeping track of car battery condition is one way to prevent a breakdown. In addition, a reliable battery ensures a smooth start and helps power the numerous electronic systems in today’s vehicles. Yet, own a car long enough, and battery replacement is inevitable.

• Repair Frequency: Every three to five years on average
• DIY Difficulty Level: Easy—requires basic tools and careful attention to terminal connections
• Signs It’s Overdue: Slow engine cranking, dimming headlights, electronic system issues, dashboard warning lights
• Price Range: $75-$300 for DIY replacement; $243-$388 with professional installation

Battery testing should be part of a regular maintenance routine. Alternatively, many auto supply stores also provide this service for free. Periodic battery monitoring will help you better plan for a replacement.

Tire Rotation and Alignment

Tires aren’t cheap; even a basic set will run from $500 to $1,000 with installation. So, maximizing tire life should be a priority, which can be accomplished through regular rotations and alignment checks.

• Repair Frequency: Rotation every 5,000-8,000 miles; alignment check annually or when experiencing handling issues
• DIY Difficulty Level: Rotation—Moderate (requires proper equipment); Alignment—professional service required
• Signs It’s Overdue: Uneven tire wear, vehicle pulling to one side, steering wheel vibration
• Price Range: $39-$60 for rotation only; $136-$196 for four-wheel alignment

Many tire stores include free rotation services with a tire purchase, and some extended warranties or auto protection plans include tire and alignment services. Taking advantage of these benefits can save money in the long run.

Air Filter and Cabin Filter Replacement

Air and cabin filters are easy to ignore, but these components are vital to protecting the engine and preserving air quality inside the vehicle. On a bang-for-your-buck level, these replacements are among the best values in car maintenance.

• Repair Frequency: Engine air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles; cabin filter every 15,000-25,000 miles (or as recommended by the manufacturer)
• DIY Difficulty Level: Easy—requires minimal tools and basic mechanical knowledge
• Signs It’s Overdue: Reduced fuel efficiency, weak acceleration, musty odors from vents
• Price Range: $15-$40 for DIY filter replacement; $59-$104 for professional service

A clean air filter helps maintain engine performance and efficiency, while a fresh cabin filter ensures passengers breathe pure air. In most cars, swapping filters is a straightforward project for even a novice DIYer.

New Spark Plugs

Peak-condition spark plugs maximize engine performance and maintain fuel efficiency. Modern iridium or platinum plugs boast a longer life, but regular inspection and replacement preserve engine health and can catch problems early.

• Repair Frequency: Every 60,000-100,000 miles for modern plugs; 30,000-50,000 miles for traditional copper plugs
• DIY Difficulty Level: Intermediate—requires proper tools and careful attention to gap and torque settings; access can be challenging on some cars
• Signs It’s Overdue: Rough idle, misfiring, decreased acceleration, reduced fuel economy, difficulty starting
• Price Range: $30-$85 for DIY (parts only); $220-$317 for professional service on most vehicles

An auto supply store can help you select the best spark plug option (there are many) and loan you the necessary tools. Keep in mind that accessing the spark plugs can be difficult in some vehicles, making professional installation a better approach.

Windshield Wiper Replacement

Safety doesn’t get more basic than a clear windshield. Properly functioning windshield wipers help, especially during adverse weather conditions.

• Repair Frequency: Every 6-12 months or when performance deteriorates
• DIY Difficulty Level: Easy—requires no tools in most cases
• Signs It’s Overdue: Streaking, squeaking, skipping across windshield, visible wear or damage to blades
• Price Range: $20-$70 for DIY replacement; $53-$88 for professional installation

Some auto parts stores offer free installation of purchased wiper blades, making this an effortless safety upgrade. Blade quality can vary greatly, so spending a little extra can improve longevity and performance.

Headlight and Taillight Bulb Replacement

Functioning exterior lights is another safety essential. While modern LED lighting systems have greater longevity, numerous vehicles still have traditional bulbs that require periodic replacement.

• Repair Frequency: As needed; typical halogen headlight bulbs last 500-1,000 hours of use
• DIY Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate—some vehicles require partial disassembly for access
• Signs It’s Overdue: Dimming, flickering, or completely burned-out bulbs; dashboard warning light
• Price Range: $15-$80 for DIY bulb replacement; $60-$163 for professional service per bulb

Replacing bulbs in pairs ensures consistent lighting output, prevents unwanted surprises, and minimizes the chance of a traffic citation.

Coolant Flush

A coolant flush extracts old antifreeze and contaminants from the cooling system while preventing corrosion. This proactive maintenance task also helps maintain optimal temperature regulation and prevents more expensive repairs.

• Repair Frequency: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or two to five years, depending on manufacturer recommendations
• DIY Difficulty Level: Intermediate—requires proper disposal of old coolant and careful bleeding of air from the system
• Signs It’s Overdue: Discolored or rusty coolant, engine running hot, sweet smell from the engine bay
• Price Range: $30-60 for DIY supplies; $265-$402 for professional flush and fill

Coolant system repairs can be expensive, so preventative maintenance activities like coolant flushes are wise. Any used antifreeze must be disposed of at an appropriate recycling center. Only use antifreeze matched to your car.

Brake Fluid Bleed

The brakes are another system that can be vulnerable without regular maintenance. Fresh brake fluid prevents moisture accumulation and resulting damage. Keeping the brakes in top condition also ensures maximum stopping power.

• Repair Frequency: Every 20,000-30,000 miles or 2 years, varies by manufacturer and driving conditions
• DIY Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult—requires brake bleeding equipment and proper procedure
• Signs It’s Overdue: Soft or spongy brake pedal, dark or contaminated fluid color, decreased braking performance
• Price Range: $30-$60 for DIY supplies; $103-$261 for professional service

A proper brake fluid bleeding procedure is an absolute must, making this service better suited to an advanced DIYer or a professional mechanic.

How Endurance Warranty Covers Your Vehicle’s Repairs

Let’s be upfront. No matter how well-maintained a vehicle is, it’s still susceptible to breakdowns and surprise repair bills. This vulnerability increases with every year and every mile. Meanwhile, an extended car warranty protects against the unexpected.

Endurance Warranty plans provide tailored coverage that balances price and protection. Our affordable powertrain plans safeguard your engine, transmission, and drive axle. Exclusionary plans are on the other end of the spectrum and are similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty. There are in-between options, too. Every Endurance contract protects against mechanical breakdowns and offers different deductible options, enabling car owners to customize coverage further.

The Advantage plan stands out by covering routine maintenance costs and major mechanical systems, helping car owners manage what’s anticipated and what’s not. This vehicle service contract (also called an auto protection plan) includes up to $3,500 in support for oil and filter changes, brake pad replacement, battery replacement, cooling system maintenance, alignment checks, tire rotations, and wiper blade replacement.

Every Endurance contract offers:

• 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing, lockout, and jump-start services
• Rental car benefits and trip interruption protection during covered repairs
• Choice of any licensed repair facility for covered repairs
• Access to the RepairPal network of certified repair shops
• Exclusive use of the Endurance smartphone app for breakdown assistance and claims processing

Get Ready for the Road Ahead with Endurance

Discover peace of mind for your used car with an Endurance Warranty plan. Request a FREE quote or explore the Endurance online store for instant price and plan details. You can also call (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance plan advisor and learn about more personalization options, including coverage for high-mileage cars, commercial-use vehicles, and select luxury models.

Check out the Endurance blog for extensive information on DIY repairs, maintenance tips, auto reviews, warranty advice, and more.