Suspension arms top list of parts most likely to wear out

According to a new study compiled by Warranty Direct, Suspension arms – costing an average of £230 to repair each time – are top of the list of parts on your car most likely to wear out.

The report shows that around one in three repairs to vehicles aged between three and seven years old will be due to wear.

Second on the list of wear-related failures are ball joints (costing an average £223 to repair) followed by the steering rack (£377) and turbochargers (£794).

The study reveals that even small parts which will wear out over time – like the bearings in a water pump – could cost motorists an average of £209 to fix. Meanwhile, larger components such as gearboxes cost on average £1,378.65 to put right.

“The statistics highlight the importance of checking the small print on longer term new car warranties and after-market policies,” said Duncan McClure Fisher of Warranty Direct. “Those with ‘wear and tear’ exclusions mean the consumer is left to foot the bill for worn out parts.”

Motorists are advised to check the level of cover throughout the warranty period as it may deteriorate as the car ages. “It’s not reasonable to expect manufacturer warranties to cover parts that wear out, but motorists are not necessarily aware that as their car gets older and wear-related failures become more frequent, they won’t necessarily be covered unless they have a policy that covers wear,” said McClure Fisher.