Rising Repair Costs: A Growing Challenge for Car Owners
                     https://
totallossappraisals.com/
Rising Repair 
Costs: A Growing 
Challenge for Car 
Owners
Rising Repair Costs: A Growing Challenge for Car 
Owners.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
As car prices climb higher and higher, car
owners in the U.S. are facing an
unwelcome side effect – rising vehicle
repair costs. The 2023 CarMD Vehicle
Health Index recently reported on these
expenses, including a notable leap in EV
and hybrid battery fixes. In this article, we
take a closer look at the data from the
study, explore its contributing factors,
and consider what this means for
motorists.
What are the main auto news we are going to talk about in 
this post?
   • Cost Surge despite Lower Labor and Parts Expenses
    • Implications for the Used Car Market and Vehicle Value
    • Emergence of Battery Repair as a Growing Concern
    • The Impact of Electrification on Repair Costs
Cost Surge despite Lower Labor and Parts Expenses
Despite expectations, the study reveals an increase of 2.8% in vehicle repair 
costs in 2022, averaging $403. Labor costs, however, experienced a 0.5% 
decline due to intense competition among repair shops and an increase in DIY 
maintenance. Inflation and the higher likelihood of expensive parts failing as 
the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads prompted a 4.7% rise in parts costs.
Implications for the Used Car Market and Vehicle Value:
1
https://totallossappraisals.com/
The mounting expenses associated with maintenance can be attributed to the 
diminishing affordability of new cars, having a drastic impact on the need for 
and value of used vehicles. It's clear that as the value of a car increases, so will
its maintenance costs. Notably, in 2022 catalytic converter replacement was 
the most frequent service item with four of the top 10 being emissions-related 
services. Stock oxygen sensors also need periodic servicing, which may suffer 
damage if stolen.
Emergence of Battery Repair as a Growing Concern:
The study uncovered a startling rise in demand for high-voltage battery 
replacements for hybrid and electric vehicles. In just three years, these repairs 
skyrocketed from scarcely seen to the 348th most frequent job by 2021, 
followed by an even more dramatic jump to 170th place in 2022. EV battery 
services also experienced a huge surge in requests. This is expected to stay as 
older hybrids become more common and EVs take up a larger part of the 
automotive market; however, this pushes up worries about potential pressures 
on the already imperiled battery supply chain.
Conclusion:
Car owners are in for a rude awakening in 2022 with rising repair costs 
impacting both recent and older vehicles. The survey flags the soaring cost of 
EV and hybrid battery maintenance as a particularly pressing worry. It is 
essential that motorists plan ahead, setting aside funds to cover the upkeep of 
their car as the automotive sector shifts to focus more on electrification. Being 
prepared allows drivers to ensure their vehicle's lasting performance and 
dependability amid advancing technology.
Looking ahead to 2023, car owners can expect the landscape of car repair to 
continue evolving. With advancements in automotive technology, repairing 
vehicles will require specialized knowledge and expertise. Repair shops and 
technicians will need to stay updated on the latest diagnostic tools and 
techniques to effectively address issues in modern vehicles. As electric vehicles
become more prevalent, the demand for EV-specific repairs and maintenance 
will increase, necessitating specialized training and equipment. Additionally, 
the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips may impact the availability of 
certain parts, potentially leading to delays in repairs and potentially higher 
costs. Car owners should anticipate these changes and seek out reputable 
repair facilities that are equipped to handle the evolving complexities of 
automotive repair in 2023 and beyond. By staying informed and proactive, car 
2
https://totallossappraisals.com/
owners can navigate the changing repair landscape and ensure their vehicles 
are well-maintained for years to come.
To stay informed about the latest news, car reviews, and culture stories in the 
automotive world, subscribe to Drive Wire. Receive daily updates delivered 
straight to your inbox, keeping you up to speed with the ever-changing 
industry.
3
https://totallossappraisals.com/