1014 West Broadway, Steeleville, IL 62288
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2025 is shaping up to be a challenging year for car owners, especially when it comes to repair bills. Across the country, and right here in Steeleville, drivers are feeling the pressure of higher costs every time they visit the shop. From complex vehicle technology to rising parts and labor expenses, it’s becoming more expensive to keep cars on the road.
But there’s good news: while you can’t control national trends, you can control how prepared you are. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s behind the rising costs—and what proactive Steeleville drivers are doing to avoid surprise repairs and stay ahead of the curve.
The rise in auto repair costs isn’t just about inflation—it’s the result of several intersecting factors:
In 2025, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, including steel, aluminum, and auto parts, hit record highs—briefly climbing to an average of 126.5% before being revised to 51.1% after diplomatic negotiations. Many of the materials and electronics used in car repairs are impacted, leading to:
Even after the tariff rollback in May, prices remain elevated, especially for vehicles with complex systems.
Today’s vehicles are packed with computerized systems—making diagnostics and repairs more labor-intensive and equipment-dependent. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and hybrid drive systems require specialized expertise and tools, which drives up repair time and labor costs.
Labor costs have continued to rise due to national wage increases and a growing demand for highly trained technicians. Modern repairs are more time-consuming, and the shortage of certified pros across the country is also pushing prices upward.
According to the 2025 CarMD Vehicle Health Index, the average vehicle on the road is now 12.6 years old—an all-time high. As more people hold on to their vehicles longer, parts naturally begin to fail. The most common check engine light repair last year? Replacing the catalytic converter, which averaged $1,348 per fix.
While national averages provide a general overview, regional differences can significantly affect your repair bills. According to the 2025 CarMD Vehicle Health Index, here’s how average check engine-related repair costs varied across U.S. regions from 2021 to 2024:
Region | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Change (2023–2024) |
South | $396.02 | $409.38 | $432.31 | $416.55 | –3.6% |
West | $406.79 | $415.74 | $436.65 | $429.69 | –1.6% |
Midwest | $366.35 | $375.64 | $393.22 | $402.89 | 0.025 |
Northeast | $389.55 | $403.85 | $421.65 | $416.32 | –1.3% |
While most regions saw a slight dip in repair costs in 2024, the trend isn’t expected to last. The Midwest already saw an increase, and early 2025 signals point to rising costs nationwide—driven by tariffs, advanced vehicle tech, and an aging U.S. fleet.
Now’s the time to stay proactive with maintenance and rely on trusted local care.
If you’re wondering how to stay ahead of rising repair costs, preventative maintenance is your most reliable strategy. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.
It goes beyond oil changes and tire rotations. At Mevert Automotive & Tire Center, we build maintenance plans based on your vehicle’s age, mileage, and manufacturer recommendations. A solid plan includes:
This holistic approach allows us to identify wear-and-tear items before they become emergencies. Plus, with our DVI reports, you receive detailed visuals and easy-to-understand explanations, so you’re never left guessing.
Catching issues early helps you avoid the domino effect of a small problem causing larger ones. For example, replacing a worn serpentine belt is inexpensive compared to repairing the engine components it could damage if it fails.
At Mevert Auto, one of the tools that sets us apart is our Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) system. It’s a modern solution to an age-old concern: “How do I know what really needs fixing?”
With a DVI, you receive:
You get to see what we see, which means no surprises and no pressure. You’re in control of every repair decision.
With new car prices pushing past $47,000 on average, more drivers are keeping their current vehicles longer. But how do you know when it’s worth fixing—or time to upgrade?
Here’s how to evaluate it.
At Mevert Auto, we’re happy to talk you through this decision. We don’t just fix cars—we help you plan for long-term vehicle reliability.
A common misconception is that dealer service centers are the only places equipped to handle complex repairs on today’s cars. While that may have been partially true years ago, it’s certainly not the case anymore.
At Mevert Automotive & Tire Center, we’ve invested in the same diagnostic tools used at the dealerships. We also employ highly trained professionals who are experienced with the unique systems of brands like GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota.
Choosing an independent shop like ours means you get dealer-level expertise with local shop transparency and personal care. You’re not just a number here. We take the time to explain our findings, prioritize repairs according to your needs, and help you plan out service timelines that work with your budget.
When you’re faced with a costly repair, it’s natural to want to find the cheapest option. But the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest one. Here are some better ways to save without sacrificing quality:
We work with customers to find payment solutions that make sense. Ask us about available financing programs to spread out the cost of major repairs.
Not everything needs to be done at once. Through our DVI process, we’ll identify what’s critical and what can wait. That way, you can make progress without draining your budget.
Trying to fix a complex issue on your own can lead to mistakes that cost more to correct. Focus on what you can do—like checking fluids, watching for warning lights, and keeping up with routine tasks—and leave the bigger jobs to trained professionals.
Proactive maintenance is essential, but so is choosing the right shop. At Mevert Automotive & Tire Center, we deliver dealership-level expertise with local care and pricing.
We use advanced, manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools including:
Our technicians are Master ASE Certified, continuously trained, and proud to be named a NAPA Midwest Division Shop of the Year. We’ve served the Steeleville community since 1993 with trusted repairs for cars, trucks, diesels, fleets, and RVs.
What you can expect from us:
At Mevert Auto, it’s not just about fixing vehicles, it’s about giving you the confidence to drive without worry.
A: In most cases, standard car insurance only covers repairs related to accidents, not general wear and tear or mechanical failures. Extended warranties or vehicle service contracts may help with certain covered repairs, but it’s important to review your policy details to understand what’s included.
A: If your vehicle is running normally, a diagnostic check once a year is generally recommended. However, if you notice any warning lights, performance issues, or unusual sounds, it’s smart to have a scan done sooner to catch potential problems early.
A: Not necessarily. While they often require less routine maintenance (like oil changes), electric and hybrid vehicles have complex systems and high-voltage components that can be costly to diagnose and repair. Specialized tools and training are required, which can increase labor costs.
A: Spring and fall are ideal for larger services. These seasons allow you to prepare your vehicle for temperature extremes—like the summer heat or winter cold—which can put extra strain on batteries, cooling systems, and tires.
Sometimes the smallest issues can cause the biggest headaches unless you catch them early. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just commuting around Steeleville, a complimentary inspection could be the difference between smooth sailing and a roadside delay.
Call us at (618) 965-9609, stop by 1014 West Broadway, Steeleville, IL 62288, or schedule online.
Let’s make sure your car is ready for whatever the road throws your way.
Mevert Automotive & Tire Center
Address:
1014 West Broadway, Steeleville, IL 62288
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8am — 5pm
