Mechanical work: what you can expect to pay

Despite advances in auto technology, cars can still have their off days so from time to time you are still going to need the services of a good mechanic. But even if your vehicle doesn’t develop any problems it will still need its regular servicing to keep it running well.

What you will pay for mechanical work

One of the main reasons behind a trip to the mechanic is for your car’s regular service where its fluids are checked, the engine is tuned and all its mechanical workings are checked to ensure that you car is running as it should. General mechanical work and approximate costs include:

• Approximate hourly rate including GST: $150
• Full service of vehicle approximately $150 - $220 including GST

Full service fees can vary depending on the make, model, year of manufacture and what needs to be done on the car but usually this price includes the checks on belts and hoses, oil levels, steering and brakes, tyre pressure and all fluid levels, filters and exhaust system. It usually takes about an hour to do a service but can take up to two in some circumstances but it depends on the car.

Extras on the mechanics bill

Aside from regular servicing, things can go wrong with your car and the bill from your mechanic can be anything from under $100 to $1000 or more depending on the problem, the parts required and on how labour intensive the repair was.

When you have your car at the mechanic’s shop for a specific problem, be sure to get a quote before the work begins and be sure that your mechanic understands that if he finds another problem with your car that is outside of the original quote, he needs to contact you before proceeding to advise you of the work and any additional costs.

Prestige cars are inevitably more expensive to service and repair due to their non-standard fixtures and features. Costs will vary according to individual makes and models but of a general rule you will pay a lot more for parts and labour with these cars.

Having a mechanic you know and trust is invaluable for keeping your car in top condition without breaking your budget, so shop around until you find one that satisfies your expectations.