How much does a brake pad replacement cost?

Brake pad replacement typically costs $190–$440 per axle at an independent shop, including parts ($60–$180) and 1–2 hours of labor at $110–$150/hr. Ceramic pads and rotor replacement raise the total.

How much does a CV axle replacement cost?

A single CV axle replacement typically runs $270–$720 (parts $120–$300, labor 1.5–3 hours). Replacing both sides roughly doubles the total.

How much does an alternator replacement cost?

Alternator replacement usually costs $460–$1,075, with parts $200–$550 and 2–3.5 hours of labor. OEM units cost more than remanufactured.

Are these estimates accurate for my car?

These are US-average ranges for common vehicles at an independent shop. Luxury, European, and hybrid/EV models often run 30–100% higher. Request a free written quote from a local Garage Connect shop for a firm price on your vehicle.

Auto Repair Cost Estimator

Free price ranges for the most common repairs, detailing packages, and body work — parts, labor hours, and a total you can take to any shop.

US averages for common vehicles at an independent shop. Luxury, European, hybrid, and EV models often run higher.

SearchLabor rate ($/hr)

Brake Pad Replacement (per axle)

Ceramic pads run higher. Rotors often replaced at the same time.

Typical total

$190–$440

Parts: $60–$180
Labor hours: 1–2 hr
Labor cost: $130–$260

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Brake Rotor Replacement (per axle)

Usually bundled with pads.

Typical total

$250–$725

Parts: $120–$400
Labor hours: 1–2.5 hr
Labor cost: $130–$325

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

CV Axle Replacement

One side; both sides roughly doubles the total.

Typical total

$315–$690

Parts: $120–$300
Labor hours: 1.5–3 hr
Labor cost: $195–$390

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Alternator Replacement

OEM units cost more than remanufactured.

Typical total

$460–$1,005

Parts: $200–$550
Labor hours: 2–3.5 hr
Labor cost: $260–$455

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Starter Replacement

Access difficulty varies wildly by engine bay.

Typical total

$345–$840

Parts: $150–$450
Labor hours: 1.5–3 hr
Labor cost: $195–$390

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Water Pump Replacement

Often bundled with timing belt / thermostat.

Typical total

$350–$1,000

Parts: $90–$350
Labor hours: 2–5 hr
Labor cost: $260–$650

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Timing Belt Replacement

Common bundle: water pump + tensioner + idler.

Typical total

$540–$1,410

Parts: $150–$500
Labor hours: 3–7 hr
Labor cost: $390–$910

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Spark Plug Replacement

V6/V8 rear-bank plugs cost more in labor.

Typical total

$95–$380

Parts: $30–$120
Labor hours: 0.5–2 hr
Labor cost: $65–$260

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Full Synthetic Oil Change

Includes new filter and drain plug gasket.

Typical total

$84–$168

Parts: $45–$90
Labor hours: 0.3–0.6 hr
Labor cost: $39–$78

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Battery Replacement

AGM batteries cost more; some cars need registration.

Typical total

$169–$450

Parts: $130–$320
Labor hours: 0.3–1 hr
Labor cost: $39–$130

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

4-Wheel Alignment

Flat-rate service; no parts unless adjusters are seized.

Typical total

$130–$195

Parts: —
Labor hours: 1–1.5 hr
Labor cost: $130–$195

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Coolant Flush

Recommended every 60–100k miles.

Typical total

$116–$275

Parts: $25–$80
Labor hours: 0.7–1.5 hr
Labor cost: $91–$195

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Transmission Fluid Service

Drain-and-fill is cheaper than full flush.

Typical total

$190–$525

Parts: $60–$200
Labor hours: 1–2.5 hr
Labor cost: $130–$325

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

A/C Recharge (R-1234yf or R-134a)

R-1234yf refrigerant is ~4× the cost of R-134a.

Typical total

$105–$375

Parts: $40–$180
Labor hours: 0.5–1.5 hr
Labor cost: $65–$195

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Oxygen (O2) Sensor Replacement

Upstream sensors are usually more expensive.

Typical total

$125–$445

Parts: $60–$250
Labor hours: 0.5–1.5 hr
Labor cost: $65–$195

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Catalytic Converter Replacement

CARB-compliant cats (CA) cost significantly more.

Typical total

$595–$2,720

Parts: $400–$2,200
Labor hours: 1.5–4 hr
Labor cost: $195–$520

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Full Interior & Exterior Detail

Sedan; SUVs and trucks add ~25%.

Typical total

$550–$1,120

Parts: $30–$80
Labor hours: 4–8 hr
Labor cost: $520–$1,040

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Ceramic Coating (2-year)

Requires paint correction beforehand for best results.

Typical total

$930–$1,960

Parts: $150–$400
Labor hours: 6–12 hr
Labor cost: $780–$1,560

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Paint Correction (single-stage)

Two-stage correction adds 4–8 more hours.

Typical total

$560–$1,420

Parts: $40–$120
Labor hours: 4–10 hr
Labor cost: $520–$1,300

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Headlight Restoration (pair)

Sealed after wet-sanding for lasting clarity.

Typical total

$90–$265

Parts: $25–$70
Labor hours: 0.5–1.5 hr
Labor cost: $65–$195

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Window Tint (full car, ceramic)

Dyed film costs less; ceramic blocks more heat.

Typical total

$475–$1,050

Parts: $150–$400
Labor hours: 2.5–5 hr
Labor cost: $325–$650

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Bumper Repair & Repaint

Assumes plastic bumper without frame damage.

Typical total

$600–$1,290

Parts: $80–$250
Labor hours: 4–8 hr
Labor cost: $520–$1,040

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Fender Replacement & Blend

Blending adjacent panels raises labor.

Typical total

$850–$2,260

Parts: $200–$700
Labor hours: 5–12 hr
Labor cost: $650–$1,560

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Windshield Replacement

ADAS calibration adds $150–$400.

Typical total

$330–$1,025

Parts: $200–$700
Labor hours: 1–2.5 hr
Labor cost: $130–$325

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Paintless Dent Removal (per dent)

Palm-sized dent on a door panel.

Typical total

$65–$390

Parts: —
Labor hours: 0.5–3 hr
Labor cost: $65–$390

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

Full Vehicle Repaint (single-stage)

Show-quality basecoat/clearcoat runs 3–5× higher.

Typical total

$3,750–$9,600

Parts: $500–$1,800
Labor hours: 25–60 hr
Labor cost: $3,250–$7,800

Estimate assumes $130/hr labor.Get a real quote

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Frequently asked questions

Why is there a range instead of a single price?

Parts availability, OEM vs aftermarket, labor rates ($90–$180/hr regionally), and vehicle-specific access difficulty all move the final number. Ranges reflect what most independent shops charge for common vehicles.

Does this include diagnostic fees?

No. Most shops charge $80–$150 for a diagnostic and many apply it toward the repair if you approve the work.

Will the shop honor the estimate?

A written estimate from a shop is what you should rely on — this tool is a sanity check so you know when a quote is fair.

Related: read our guide on how to find a good mechanic.