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Youre not seeing things.
Car parts are getting pricey.
Inflation, theft and other factors have caused many car essentials to go up dramatically in price.
Also dont waste your money on these unreliable car products.
Batteries
Left your lights on and now you need a new battery?
You might be surprised at how much car batteries cost these days.
The cost can range from $100 to $200.
Of course, anelectric car batterywill cost much more.
Prices to replace an EVs battery can be as much as $25,000.
One is because the parts that are needed to construct these batteries have become more expensive themselves.
[Look for] refurbished batteries or lesser-known brands that still offer good warranties.
These can be sourced from local auto shops or online retailers like Amazon.
Tires
Replacing your tires is not a cheap fix.
They can range anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per tire.
Miller said tires have gone up in price due to rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions.
To get a better deal, he recommended looking off the beaten path.
Consider purchasing high-quality used tires or opting for off-brand tires that meet safety standards, Miller said.
These can be found at local tire shops or online marketplaces like eBay.
You could spend anywhere from $30 to $40 a bottle.
Miller said the jump in price is due to inflation and the rising cost of crude oil.
Miller said one way to save money is to skip the name brands of engine oil.
Generic or store-brand oilsoften provide the same protection at a lower cost, Miller said.
Look for deals at big-box retailers like Walmart or auto parts stores like AutoZone.
Brake Pads
Its recommended that you change out your brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles.
For most drivers, thats about every two to five years.
Unfortunately, Miller said brake pads have gone up in price due to higher manufacturing and material costs.
Brake pads cost anywhere from $20 to $150 a wheel.
Miller said the way to save some money is to look into aftermarket options.
Opt for aftermarket brake pads, which can be found at significant savings without compromising safety, Miller said.
Websites like RockAuto offer a variety of affordable options.
Miller said theyve gotten more expensive to replace due to material shortages.
Generic or store-brand wipersare often just as effective, he said.
Check out stores like Costco or Target for budget-friendly options.
It can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 to replace your catalytic converter.
To get a lower price when you need it replaced, Lirette recommends looking intoaftermarket catalytic converters.
However, there is even more that you should be doing to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen.
After all, its a pretty expensive fix.
In 2022, the average price of a semiconductor for a car was $540.
Lirette said it’s possible for you to save some cash by looking into the used market.
Opting forrefurbished or used electronic control units(ECUs) can be a cost-effective solution.
Kane agreed, but said to shop around to ensure youre getting a good part for a good deal.
Similar to ECUs, headlights and headlight assemblies can also be very expensive.
Reputable brands such as DEPO, TYC, and Dorman all offer relatively affordable headlight assemblies.
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