The average car repair bill in the US now runs several hundred dollars, and labor is often more than half of it, with shop rates commonly $110 to $220 an hour. The same job can cost 30 percent more at a dealership than at an independent shop.
Pick a repair, your vehicle type and where you plan to take it. The estimator shows a fair price range, splits parts from labor, and compares independent, chain, dealer and do-it-yourself prices for the same job.
Car Repair Cost Estimator
See a fair price for common repairs before you call the shop, with parts and labor split out and dealer versus independent shop prices side by side.
| Item | Typical | Range |
|---|
| Shop type | Typical | Range |
|---|
Prices are 2026 national ranges for parts and labor at shop rates of roughly $110 to $220 an hour, adjusted for vehicle type and region. Ask for a written estimate that lists part brands and labor hours, and get a second quote on anything over $500.
Typical prices for common repairs
| Repair | Typical price, midsize car |
|---|---|
| Wheel alignment | $100 to $220 |
| Brake pads and rotors, one axle | $350 to $800 |
| Battery replacement | $150 to $400 |
| Alternator replacement | $500 to $1,100 |
| Windshield replacement | $250 to $600 |
| Full paint job | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Full vinyl wrap | $2,500 to $6,500 |
How to avoid overpaying
- Get the estimate in writing, with part numbers or brands and labor hours listed.
- Ask what is urgent and what can wait. A good shop will tell you.
- Compare quotes on anything over $500. Prices vary widely between shops.
- Check your warranty and insurance first. Powertrain warranties, extended plans and glass coverage can pay for some of these jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an alignment cost?
A standard four-wheel alignment usually costs $100 to $220. Luxury cars, trucks with modified suspensions and cars that need camera recalibration afterward cost more.
Is the dealer always more expensive?
Usually, by roughly 20 to 40 percent, because dealers charge higher labor rates and use factory parts. For warranty work, recalls and complex electronics, the dealer can still be the right choice.
How much does it cost to paint or wrap a car?
A standard full paint job costs about $1,500 to $6,000, while a full vinyl wrap usually costs $2,500 to $6,500. Showroom-quality paint can exceed $10,000.
When is a repair not worth it?
A common rule of thumb is to think twice when a repair costs more than half of the car value, or when repair costs over the next year would exceed a year of payments on a replacement.
More free calculators
How this calculator works: price ranges come from 2026 national repair-order data and shop labor rates, adjusted for vehicle type, shop type and regional labor costs. Parts and labor shares are typical for each job. Figures are estimates as of October 2026, not a shop quote. See our disclaimer.
