Service Cost Estimator
Estimate parts and labor cost for the 20 most common car repairs. Compare to your shop’s quote before saying yes, or budget realistically before you book the appointment.
Service Cost Estimator
Ballpark service cost by job, region, vehicle class and shop type.
How It Works
Each repair has a labor time (in book-hours) published by Mitchell, AllData, or Chilton. Multiply by your shop’s labor rate. Add parts cost. The calculator uses national averages for both, adjustable by region.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick the repair from the list (brake pads, timing belt, AC compressor, etc.).
- Enter your shop’s labor rate if known — defaults to national average.
- Pick parts grade — OEM, premium aftermarket, or economy aftermarket.
- The calculator returns a low, middle, and high estimate.
Worked Example
Reference Table
National average parts and labor costs (USD) for typical midsize passenger vehicles. Luxury and European cars: multiply by 1.4–1.8×. Diesel trucks: multiply by 1.5–2.0×.
| Repair | Parts (USD) | Labor (hours) | Total typical (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil change | $35 | 0.4 hr | $70–110 |
| Front brake pads | $60–120 | 1.0 hr | $150–250 |
| Front brake pads + rotors | $160–280 | 1.5 hr | $300–500 |
| Spark plugs (4-cyl) | $30–80 | 0.5 hr | $80–180 |
| Spark plugs (V6/V8) | $60–160 | 1.5 hr | $220–400 |
| Battery replacement | $130–250 | 0.3 hr | $170–320 |
| Alternator | $200–450 | 2.0 hr | $450–800 |
| Starter | $150–350 | 1.5 hr | $330–650 |
| Timing belt + water pump | $200–400 | 4.0 hr | $700–1400 |
| Catalytic converter (single) | $400–1500 | 1.5 hr | $600–2000 |
| Transmission fluid drain & fill | $80–180 | 1.0 hr | $200–380 |
| CV axle (one side) | $120–220 | 1.5 hr | $320–540 |
| Wheel bearing (one) | $80–200 | 1.5 hr | $280–500 |
| AC recharge (R-134a) | $30 | 0.5 hr | $130–250 |
| AC compressor | $350–650 | 3.0 hr | $800–1500 |
| Control arm (one side) | $80–200 | 1.5 hr | $280–500 |
| Strut + spring assembly (one) | $120–300 | 1.5 hr | $320–650 |
| Engine air filter | $15–40 | 0.2 hr | $40–80 |
| Cabin air filter | $15–35 | 0.3 hr | $45–110 |
| Headlight bulb replacement | $15–80 | 0.3 hr | $45–150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dealer service worth the higher cost?
For warranty work, recall work, and software-related issues, yes. For routine maintenance after warranty, no — independent shops charge 30–50% less for the same quality work. Find a certified independent mechanic for your brand.
How do I know if a repair quote is fair?
Compare against two sources: this calculator and RepairPal’s by-zip-code estimator. If your shop’s quote is more than 20% above both, get a second opinion.
Should I use OEM or aftermarket parts?
Brakes, suspension wear items, filters — premium aftermarket is fine and 30–50% cheaper. Sensors, electronics, and gaskets — OEM saves headaches. Body parts — OEM matches paint and fitment.
Can I save money doing repairs myself?
Brake pads, air filters, spark plugs, battery, wiper blades — yes, often 50–70% savings. Anything requiring alignment, special tools, or computer programming — usually not worth the risk.
What is “shop supplies” on my invoice?
A miscellaneous fee covering rags, lubricants, fluids used during repair. Industry standard is 2–7% of labor. Anything over 10% is overcharging — push back or shop elsewhere.
