What are the Most Expensive Car Parts to Replace?
With the introduction of more and more technology into today’s basic car models, the cost of car repair is on the rise. But which replacement parts are the most expensive car parts up for sale these days? This blog explores this question, helping you identify the replacement parts you should be looking for in a breakers yard.
As cars become increasingly expensive to replace or repair, the motor insurance industry fears that the point at which a car is declared uneconomical or a write-off is arriving earlier than ever before. In some
cases, repairs far exceed the value of the car. This is because while car parts themselves can be affordable, the manual labour required to fix a car often drives up the costs. That’s where U-Pull-It comes in.
You can check our York and Edinburgh price lists to find out the cost of car parts at our breakers yards. To give you an idea of what parts to look out for, we have compiled a list of the most expensive car parts to replace, along with tips on how to prevent damage and what to watch for if you suspect a specific part may be the issue.
1. Clutch
Clutches commonly wear out. The best way to prevent this is by avoiding ‘riding’ the clutch. It’s best to either have the clutch down all the way to the floor or have your foot completely off.
2. ECU (Engine Control Unit)
Similar to the catalytic converter, a car’s ECU should last the lifetime of the vehicle. While it shouldn’t fail, if it does, it can result in a costly car repair.
3. Alternator
When the alternator fails, your car’s entire electrical system goes down, and replacing it can be expensive.
4. Head Gasket
Head gasket failure primarily affects older, infrequently used cars. While the part itself is relatively cheap, the labour involved in removing and skimming the head is costly.
5. Timing Belt
Failure or skipping of the timing belt’s teeth can wreck the engine, making timely replacement crucial.
6. Radiator
Front-end collisions or using the wrong antifreeze mix can cause radiator failure, necessitating replacement.
7. Starter
If your car doesn’t start despite a functioning battery, the starter motor might be the issue, which is more expensive to replace.
8. Water Pump
Regular maintenance and proper antifreeze usage can extend the life of the water pump. Failure leads to engine overheating and damage.
9. Dual Mass Flywheel
A problematic flywheel can damage the clutch, and vice versa. Signs of replacement needs include clutch vibrations, difficulty changing gears, shuddering at low speed, or unusual transmission noises.
10. Automatic Gearbox
Signs of a faulty automatic gearbox include a burning smell, slipping gears, fluid leaks, or unusual grinding noises. Modern autos may display a warning light on the dashboard and enter ‘limp home mode.’
11. Turbocharger
Regular oil and filter changes prevent turbo failure due to oil starvation, contamination, or leaks. Smoke from the exhaust during acceleration could indicate a failing turbo.
12. Built-in Sat Nav
Manufacturers often charge for sat-nav updates. If malfunctioning, replacing it can be costly, adding to this already expensive feature.
13. Air Conditioning Unit
Air conditioning units’ complexity and the labour involved in replacement can make them expensive. Depending on the model and fault level, car repairs can be
quite costly.
U-Pull-It is a unique self-service parts and breaker company
offering thousands of vehicles and car parts ready for you to take away. We can
assist you by providing exceptional value for money with recycled parts if you
encounter car troubles.
For parts availability, check our stock at our Edinburgh and York breakers yards online, browse our price lists for great value replacement parts, or contact us at either of our breakers yards.
U-Pull-It York Breakers Yard
Sutton Industrial Estate, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1HS
U-Pull-It Edinburgh Breakers Yard
Belleknowes Industrial Estate, Inverkeithing, Fife, KY11 1HZ
