If they are a guarantee of freedom, our dear cars are also a money pit!
Between the price of gasoline, tolls, insurance, but also the cost of routine maintenance and repairs due to wear and tear – not to mention those resulting from accidents – owning a car is very expensive.
And the current rise in inflation is not helping matters.
The more expensive parts
The inventory drawn up recently by the annual barometer of the online comparator IdGarages.com has nothing to delight motorists.
Indeed, while the cost of labor is stable, that of mechanical parts has skyrocketed.
Based on the analysis of some 3 million quotes generated in the 1st quarter of 2022 by more than 4,300 partner garages, the platform noted an average increase in the price of parts of 10%, compared to only 2.2% in 2021. , as Jonathan Bloch, CEO of idGarages.com explains in the presentation of the report, “the Covid crisis which has had an impact on production and logistics and of course the current geopolitical context”.
In fact, the slowdown in production lines and supply difficulties have led to a reduction in supply relative to demand, which is driving up prices.
A trend that should, alas, not be reversed any time soon.
Unmissable meetings
If you would like to be content with delaying the visit to the mechanic as long as possible, this solution is not very judicious since certain checks and repairs are essential for your safety and the proper functioning of your car.
Among the essential appointments, it is necessary in particular to plan "an oil change and a simple overhaul every year or every 10,000 km for an average cost of around €160", specifies Frédéric Dermer, the co-founder of Fixter.fr, a start-up specializing in automotive maintenance.
On the other hand, the general overhaul to be done every 2 years, or every 15,000 to 20,000 km if you drive a lot, has gone from 256 € to 265 € in one year, according to the barometer of IdGarages.com.
As for the brake pads, to be changed every 2 or 3 years, “they will cost you between €150 and €200, knowing that there are significant price disparities on these parts”, warns Frédéric Dermer.
More expensive, the distribution kit, to be replaced every 5 to 6 years or 150,000 to 160,000 km, is displayed at 556 € in 2022 according to IdGarages.com, against 522 € in 2021.
Finally, changing a pair of shock absorbers is around 300 to 400 € and must take place every 70,000 to 150,000 km.
Lower the bill
Despite an inevitable increase in the cost of your car repairs, certain good reflexes can help contain the bill.
Of course, having the competition makes perfect sense!
But you still have to make your comparisons wisely.
"We found that the prices were relatively homogeneous in the same locality", explains the co-founder of Fixter.fr.
On the other hand, it may be interesting to move away from the city center to obtain a lower price.
There can be up to 20% difference in peri-urban areas”.
Another advice from the professional: do not hesitate to turn to recycled spare parts or distributor brands.
Be careful, however, to adjust the quality and durability of the parts in relation to your use and the age of your vehicle.
OUR “AUTOMOBILE” FILE
Similarly, it can be advantageous to buy the least expensive parts from recognized Web auto centers, then have them fitted by a partner garage.
Economy
Auto: Should you take out insurance for mechanical breakdowns?
Economy
How to handle a claim with your car?
The price disparity
If auto parts show an overall price increase, other factors may also explain the amount of your invoice.
As Frédéric Dermer explains to us, “price disparities can be very significant depending on the car model, to the point that for the same repair, the cost can vary completely”.
Beyond market conditions, the way the engine is assembled and the accessibility of the part to be changed are taken into account in determining the price.
Likewise, the manufacturing method and dealership supplier can also impact the cost of the part.
In other words, it's a bit like Russian roulette when buying your new car!
Automotive
Budget
Inflation
Mechanical
purchasing power
Video