AutoRepairCost

All Repair Types

22 common car repairs with Australian pricing

brakes

Front Brake Pad Replacement

Replace front brake pads with new OEM or aftermarket pads. Includes inspection of rotors.

mediumDIY OKSafety

Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Replace rear brake pads. Often lasts longer than front pads.

mediumDIY OKSafety

Front Brake Pads & Rotors

Full front brake service: new pads and rotors/discs.

mediumDIY OKSafety

Rear Brake Pads & Rotors

Full rear brake service: new pads and rotors/discs.

mediumDIY OKSafety

engine

Timing Belt Replacement

Replace timing belt, tensioner, and often water pump. Critical maintenance - failure causes engine damage.

hardSafety

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace spark plugs. Improves fuel economy and engine performance.

easyDIY OK

Engine Oil & Filter Change

Drain old oil, replace filter, refill with new oil.

easyDIY OK

Water Pump Replacement

Replace water pump. Often done with timing belt service.

hardSafety

Head Gasket Replacement

Replace the cylinder head gasket that seals the engine block to the cylinder head. A blown head gasket causes overheating, white exhaust smoke, coolant loss and milky oil. One of the most expensive common repairs because the engine must be partly dismantled (6-12 hours labour).

hardSafety

Timing Chain Replacement

Replace a stretched or rattling timing chain, guides and tensioner. Far more labour-intensive than a timing belt (8-15 hours) because the engine usually needs partial disassembly.

hardSafety

transmission

Clutch Replacement

Replace clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing). Manual transmission only.

hard

Transmission Fluid Change

Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid ($150-$400), or a full flush ($300-$600) that replaces all the fluid. Fresh fluid prevents harsh shifts and extends gearbox life.

easyDIY OK

CVT Transmission Repair

Repair or replace a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Rebuilds and replacements are costly ($2,000-$5,000) due to specialised parts and labour. Nissan and Subaru CVTs are the most common failures.

hard

electrical

Car Battery Replacement

Replace 12V car battery. Most common electrical repair.

easyDIY OK

Alternator Replacement

Replace faulty alternator. Symptoms: battery light on, electrical issues.

mediumDIY OK

hvac

Air Conditioning Regas

Recharge AC system with refrigerant. Includes leak check.

easy

suspension

Shock Absorber Replacement

Replace worn shock absorbers/struts. Improve ride quality and handling.

mediumDIY OK

Wheel Alignment

4-wheel alignment to factory specs. Prevents uneven tyre wear.

easy

Strut Replacement (per strut)

Replace a worn strut assembly (priced per strut). Struts combine a shock absorber and coil spring into one unit and are a structural part of the suspension. Always replace in pairs — a pair runs $800-$1,600.

mediumDIY OKSafety

tyres

Tyre Replacement (per tyre)

Replace worn or damaged tyre. Price per single tyre, fitting included.

easySafety

body

Windscreen Replacement

Replace a cracked or smashed windscreen with new laminated safety glass. Vehicles with lane-keep assist or autonomous emergency braking need ADAS camera recalibration, which costs extra.

mediumSafety

cooling

Radiator Replacement

Replace a leaking or clogged radiator. Includes draining the coolant, swapping the radiator, and refilling and bleeding the cooling system. Don't ignore overheating — it can warp the cylinder head.

mediumDIY OK