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A summer lull in auto repairs appears to be coming to an end. Americans brought their cars into the store for more repairs in August than in July. The news is a bit surprising. In most years, late summer sees fewer repair orders.
In addition, the cost of the average repair has reached an all-time high.
The numbers come from Kelley Blue Book’s parent company, Cox Automotive.
The Repair Order Volume Index tracks the number of cars Americans have brought to dealerships for repair. It increased by 8.3% compared to July and by 12.6% compared to last August.
The Repair Order Revenue Index tracks the cost of repairs. It rose 2.7% during the month, reaching a record high. Car repairs have never been so expensive before.
Spikes can come in response to pent-up demand. The Americans delayed repairs because parts and labor were in short supply – but most of us can’t bear a car being out of service for a short time.
It’s not entirely surprising. As cars become more complex, repairs become more expensive. A windshield replacement, for example, used to consist of replacing a piece of glass. It can now be a question of ordering a complex windscreen incorporating rain sensors and parts that act as camera lenses. Some windshield replacements now cost up to $1,500.
