Most of the time, people avoid car maintenance and service only because it is too expensive. If you are one of them and avoid car maintenance, you should stop doing so.
You must know why these maintenances are too expensive nowadays and making it worrisome for people having cars. To avoid paying extra bucks on the repair, you can do it yourself and take your car to the service centre when it is necessary.
However, things are not as simple as it seems. Maintaining and caring for the car needs consistency and time which people usually don’t follow. Well, after knowing the reasons for expensive car servicing, you can decide for yourself what to do.
Spare parts are too expensive
We all know that inflation has hit the highest in almost every country around the world. This inflation has majorly affected the automobile industry including auto maintenance.
The cost of parts has increased dramatically in recent years, with bumper repair costs increasing by 35%, windscreens by 30%, and taillights by an astounding 67%. The parts of the expensive cars like Fuso Fighter Mignon are even more costly. This spike, which affects everything from the smallest screws to high-tech auto parts, has been made worse by a worldwide lack of materials and rising shipping costs.
Because aluminium is around 30–35% more expensive than steel despite being lighter and more efficient, the switch from steel to aluminium in automobile bodies has raised expenses.
Parts costs have risen sharply as a result of fewer suppliers, less market competition, and numerous businesses concentrating on international alliances. Due to higher transportation expenses, shipping parts abroad, particularly from Asia, has further raised prices.
When it comes to purchasing the parts required for repairs, car owners are feeling the squeeze due to the limited supplier landscape, growing demand for replacement parts, and expensive shipping costs.
Labour costs are also very high
Due to inflation and shortage in employment, the available workforce is demanding higher prices. Indeed, they are also affected by inflation hence they need more money to meet their end needs.
According to Automotive News, an additional 46,000 technicians will be needed by 2026. Because of this shortage, repair of all automobiles including Thailand vehicles businesses is forced to pay higher rates in order to draw and keep workers, which drives up the cost of repairs.
The time and money required to train technicians are expensive, which contributes to the growing cost of repairs. Also, the hourly rate for a technician at a normal repair company might be anywhere from $30 to $215, with highly skilled workers earning greater rates.
Since more labor hours are necessary for more complicated repairs, these rates directly affect the total cost of the repairs. The expense of professional labour is having an increasing effect on auto repair costs, which are now frequently so exorbitant that owners begin to wonder if they are really worth the money.
It is very simple math to understand why these car repairs are high and cause trouble for common people to avail of the service.
The newest techs installed in cars are expensive
The sophisticated technology found in modern cars has increased the complexity and expense of repairs. Since the introduction of complex safety systems, almost all of the parts, from sensors to sophisticated control units, now incorporate some degree of contemporary technology.
The cost of repairing these systems, which include airbags, collision detection, lane-assist, and parking aids, increases because they need specialist parts and knowledge. What was once a straightforward repair procedure has evolved into a highly complex undertaking requiring both advanced parts and skilled personnel.
For instance, restoring a bumper damaged in a collision nowadays may require changing electronic modules and recalibrating sensors. Airbag replacement alone might cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the model and the difficulty of the repair. Furthermore, even small collisions may now need to be repaired.
Effects of COVID-19
Repair costs have increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant effects on the vehicle repair sector. Many repair firms had to either close or lay off workers during the pandemic, which led to a labor shortage that still exists today.
The supply chain for auto parts was also seriously disrupted, which resulted in a lack of parts and a steep price increase as producers found it difficult to meet demand. The supply chain has not yet fully recovered from the epidemic, and these disruptions are still having an impact on the price and availability of necessary auto parts.
Note that suppliers are more able to raise prices without seeing a large decline in demand because auto components are not commonly purchased commodities. New health procedures were also adopted by numerous repair shops, adding more expenses to the overall car repair.
Tips to lower the car repair cost
Car owners must take action to lower repair costs whenever feasible in light of these growing expenditures. Drivers should avoid needless wear and tear by routinely consulting the vehicle’s manual, which can offer crucial maintenance advice.
Schedules for regular maintenance and basic troubleshooting advice are frequently included in the handbook, enabling automobile owners to handle minor problems on their own without the assistance of a specialist. Frequent upkeep, such as fluid checks and oil changes, can stop minor issues from becoming more serious and requiring expensive repairs.
Since early detection can save money, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any odd symptoms your car may be exhibiting. Unusual sounds, overheating, or the check engine light are examples of warning indications that can point to underlying problems that, if
Sum Up
Unquestionably, labor shortages, growing part costs, and the complexity of contemporary car technology are the main causes of today’s increased auto repair expenses. To make better maintenance and repair decisions, car owners must remain aware about the reasons behind these rising prices.
Drivers may help control these rising costs and extend the life of their cars by implementing routine maintenance procedures and taking care of small problems early. Despite the significant obstacles, a proactive strategy can eventually lower the cost of car ownership.
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