Every car repair is unique. Some can be completed in under an hour, like an oil change or tire rotation, while others need a full day in the shop or even multiple days. When your vehicle is out of commission, it can feel like forever. That’s why you might wonder what the longest thing to fix on a car is.
Certain repairs take longer because they are more complex, require more parts, or are hard to access. Today, we are going to dive into some of the most labour-intensive car repairs, why they take so much time, and what you can do to prevent them. And if you ever need emergency repairs in Calgary, My Calgary Mechanic is here to get you back on the road quickly.
Why Some Car Repairs Take So Long
Car repairs often vary. The duration of the job varies depending on the following:
- Complexity: Jobs like engine or transmission repairs require hundreds of components.
- Accessibility: Sometimes, a mechanic will have to remove multiple parts to reach the one that needs repair.
- Part Availability: Waiting on specialty parts, like ones for luxury or European cars, can add days to the repair process.
- Vehicle Type: Certain makes and models make repairs more time-consuming than others.
Having patience is key. Understanding why some repairs take longer than others is essential.
The Longest Repairs in the Auto Industry
There are multiple repairs that take a while. Ultimately, it comes down to the parts and the severity of the issue. Here are some of the most common issues that eat up the most time.
Engine Overhaul or Replacement
An engine rebuild or replacement is one of the most time-consuming repairs your vehicle can undergo. Mechanics have to disassemble, repair, or replace, and then carefully reassemble the engine. Often, engine and transmission work go hand in hand. If one area is opened up, related repairs or replacements may also be needed. Depending on the issue and parts availability, the process can take several days to a week or more. For expert transmission and engine repairs in Calgary, trust My Calgary Mechanic to get you back on the road with confidence.
Transmission Repair or Replacement
The transmission is one of the most complex systems in a car. To repair or replace it, your mechanic has to remove the engine and other components to gain access. Transmission jobs often require two to three full days of labour.
Head Gasket Replacement
The head gasket is a small part. Despite this, replacing it involves disassembling the entire engine. The repair takes 10-20 hours of labor, spread across multiple days, which varies based on the vehicle.
Suspension Overhaul
Your suspension system keeps you comfortable and your handling safe. However, when multiple components like shocks, struts, control arms, and bushings wear out, it can be a big job. Older vehicles tend to have seized bolts or rust, which makes things worse. With all this in mind, it’s safe to say that a suspension repair in Calgary can take one to two full days.
Electrical and Wiring Problems
When your car’s electrical system starts having issues, prepare to wait. Diagnosing problems often requires removing dashboards, tracing wires, and testing components individually. Depending on the severity, this can take several days.
Ways to Prevent Long Repairs
Unfortunately, some breakdowns are unavoidable. However, some time-consuming repairs are preventable with regular maintenance in Calgary. Check out some of our tips:
- Regular oil changes help extend engine life and reduce the risk of a full overhaul
- Transmission fluid checks can prevent major transmission failures
- Cooling system inspections can prevent a head gasket failure before it starts
- Suspension checks after hitting potholes can catch issues before they worsen
- Electrical system diagnostics detect small problems before they spread
Small acts of preventive maintenance make a difference. They can help prevent lengthy and costly repair jobs.
Prevent Long-Term Issues With Your Vehicles
What is the longest thing to fix on a car? It’s a tight race between engine overhauls, transmission repairs, and complex electrical issues. All three can leave your vehicle in the shop for days. At My Calgary Mechanic, , a trusted auto repair shop in Calgary, we want you to stay on the road for longer. That’s why we provide honest, transparent advice to keep your vehicle in top shape.
Ready to avoid lengthy repairs? Contact us to schedule an inspection and keep your vehicle on the road for longer!
