If it seems like you’re paying more for auto repairs in Georgia, your wallet isn’t lying.
After declining for six years, the average auto repair cost related to check engine lights rose 10 percent in the state last year, and Georgians paid more than most Americans for such repairs, according to data collected by CarMD.
The company, which compiles data from its nationwide network of mechanics, said labor rates climbed 24 percent in Georgia last year, while parts costs increased 3 percent.
CarMD said the higher mechanic costs reflect a strengthening economy and auto repair shops’ efforts to recoup some of the money lost when they cut rates during the recession. The higher rates also reflect having to work on vehicles with more sophisticated technology that take longer to repair.
Georgia ranks 6th in the cost of engine light-related repairs, averaging $385.29 last year, which includes $143.07 for parts and $242.22 for labor, CarMD said.
The company examined more than 160,000 repairs on vehicles from 1996 to 2012 model years. The most costly repairs were in New Jersey ($392.99), followed by the District of Columbia ($391.62); California ($390.37; North Carolina ($389.91); and Maryland ($387.78). Vermont had the least repair costs ($269.72). The average cost for check engine light-related repairs in the U.S. in 2012 was $367.84, up 10 percent from 2011. CarMD attributed to higher costs to labor, up 17 percent, and parts, up 6 percent.
The most common check engine light problems in Georgia and cost associated with them were O2 sensor ($262.65); catalytic converter ($1,186.12); loose fuel cap (no cost); spark plug and wires ($343.48); and mass air flow sensor ($403.64).
Parts of metro Atlanta have been plagued by a string of catalytic converter thefts that have cost owners thousands of dollars. A faulty converter is a problem that would trigger a check engine light. Police speculate that thieves are selling converter components with platinum inside.
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