Maintenance: repair costs

Oil, fluids, belts, filters and plugs: the regular jobs. Typical ranges for the Boston area.

Oil and filter change$80 to $190. Old oil is drained and replaced with new oil and a new filter. Most cars need it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or as the owner's manual says.
Transmission fluid service$150 to $520. Old transmission fluid is drained or flushed and replaced. It helps the transmission shift smoothly and last longer, and is done every 30,000 to 60,000 miles on many cars.
Coolant flush and refill$120 to $370. Old engine coolant is flushed out and new coolant is added. It keeps the engine from overheating or freezing and protects the radiator and water pump from corrosion.
Brake fluid flush$85 to $210. Old brake fluid is pushed out and replaced with fresh fluid. Fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers braking performance and can rust parts inside the system.
Spark plug replacement$95 to $580. Worn spark plugs are replaced with new ones so the engine fires cleanly. Signs of wear include rough idle, poor mileage, hard starts and misfire codes.
Serpentine belt replacement$75 to $300. The long rubber belt that drives the alternator, power steering and A/C is replaced when it is cracked, glazed or squealing. A snapped belt can leave you stranded.
Cabin air filter replacement$35 to $110. The filter that cleans the air blowing from your vents is swapped for a new one. A clogged filter means weak airflow and musty smells inside the car.
Tire rotation and balance$50 to $160. Tires are moved to different wheel positions and balanced so they wear evenly and the car drives without vibration. Done about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Other repair types

Typical range, estimate. Prices updated October 2026. Not a repair shop, estimates only.