Has your car been making loud rattling sounds when it is idle? When you accelerate, did your engine also clatter noisily in protest? Have you noticed thick, white smoke spewing regularly from your tailpipe these days? If you have experienced these disconcerting signs, chances are there is something seriously wrong with your car engine. The car engine is one of the most expensive parts of your car to replace. If your engine is giving you problems, an engine rebuild would be a less costly alternative to consider. The average cost to rebuild an engine can range from $1,700 to $5,500 depending on various factors.
Extent of Car Engine Damage
The exact cost of rebuilding an engine depends on how much work needs to be done. Car mechanics will usually remove the head of the engine to assess the damage. If the rebuilding process can be done without removing the engine entirely, the cost can be kept to a minimum.
However, it will be a more labor intensive procedure if the mechanic needs to remove the engine from the car. Reputable mechanics typically charge an hourly rate of $50-$100, and requires about 10-20 hours to rebuild an engine depending on the complexity of the task. The final cost will only be known after the mechanic has assessed the damage, and determined the parts that needed to be replaced. Some parts of the engine will cost significantly more than others. For example, if your engine’s main components like the timing chain or transmission are damaged, replacing them can set you back by over $1,000.
Make and Model of the Car
The make and model of your car will also affect the cost of replacing the engine parts. For instance, some cars can only use replacement parts that are specific to their own brand. This is especially so for luxury brands, or high-performance sports cars. On top of that, replacement parts that need to be imported from overseas will incur huge shipping and handling costs.
On the other hand, if your car is a popular model, you can benefit from the lower prices of replacement parts due to mass production.
Choice of Car Mechanic
Lastly, the cost of rebuilding a car engine also depends on the mechanic you choose. To have peace of mind, the safest option for rebuilding an engine is to go to a dealership – they have the most experienced mechanics and all the equipment needed to get the job done properly. However, this may also be the most expensive option since mechanics at dealerships usually charge a flat rate rather than an hourly rate.
The other option would be to find an independent auto body shop that provides personalized services at a cheaper rate. However, you will need to do your research and ensure that you choose a reliable auto body shop.
The cheapest option would be to hire an independent car mechanic. However, this is also the riskiest option as independent mechanics often don’t have the necessary equipment to do a proper or thorough job. Rebuilding an engine is a complicated task. Without the best equipment or a mechanic with the requisite experience, you may end up incurring more costs in future when you need to undo any damage done to your engine.
Alternative to Rebuilding Your Car Engine
Rebuilding your car engine can be expensive and time consuming. Before you decide to rebuild your car engine, you may want to find out what your car is worth at Fast Cash 4 My Car – you might be pleasantly surprised! If it makes more financial sense to sell your car, let us save you the hassle of selling your unwanted car. At Fast Cash 4 My Car, we will offer you the best price for your car that cannot be matched elsewhere. Get in touch with us today!