Most Common Car Interior Repairs and How Much They Typically Cost

Maintenance is one of the biggest expenses of owning a car. According to the American Automobile Association, it’s reported to cost around $800 annually, which is around $66 per month.

Staying on top of your ride’s maintenance is a must if you want to go on safe and hassle-free road trips for years to come. That includes taking care of your car’s cabin, not just its wear-and-tear parts and internal systems.

Common Car Interior Repairs and How Much They Cost

Age and use can take a toll on car interiors, so even though they’re built tough, they can show signs of wear over time. Here are some of the most common car interior repairs and how much they typically cost.

Driver’s Bolster Upholstery

The driver seat wears a bit every time the driver slides into and out of it. The bolster, in particular, gets a lot of friction, losing its color and coating over time. Fortunately, reupholstering it can make it look like new again.

Different factors go into reupholstering, such as damage and materials used, but it typically costs around $250 to $750 per seat.

Steering Wheel Scratches Removal

Drivers usually have their hands on the wheel the majority of the time they’re in their car, and it shows. Whether it’s made of tough leather or durable soft plastic, it can accumulate scratches from jewelry, nails, and other factors over time.

Some auto repair shops offer scratch removal that costs somewhere between $90 and $300, depending on the damage. If it’s too much, you might be better off getting a steering wheel replacement or a steering wheel cover.

Stain Removal

Whether it’s from food, ink, makeup, or anything else that leaves lasting marks, stains in your car interior are an eyesore that’s best removed immediately. Not only are they unsightly but they can also have unpleasant odors and harbor bacteria.

The price of professional stain removal ranges from $80 to $150. You can also buy all-purpose cleaners and do it yourself. Those solutions go for as low as $13 and as high as $60.

Odor Removal

Sometimes, bad odor lingers long after you’ve gotten rid of their source. Air fresheners won’t cut it, and if washing or deodorizing the affected upholstery or surface likewise doesn’t remove the pungent smell, it might be time to call the pros.

Professional odor removal typically uses ozone to get rid of the smell inside the car. Services like this are usually priced around $100. You can also put baking soda inside the car to help pull some of the smell out.

Dashboard Repair

The dashboard will naturally start cracking after years of use due to sun exposure and extreme temperatures. Services that offer repair and customization typically cost around $2,000, with labor costing around $600 and new parts $1,500.

The high price point is because some dashboard repairs require the entire dash to be removed and disassembled to fix the cracked panels.

Carpet or Mat Replacement

You step on the floor carpet or mat, usually with dirty shoes, every time you get into your car. You also place various cargo on it occasionally, be it light shopping bags or bulky packages, and all of that can damage your flooring.

If your car carpet is damaged beyond repair, having a professional replace it will cost you somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000. The price could also go as high as $2,500 if you want a special layout.

You can save money by buying carpet replacement kits and doing it yourself. These kits are priced from $200 to $500.

Electrical Component Repair

Whether it’s the power windows, the door locks, or the entertainment system, it’s not uncommon for interior electrical components to develop issues over time. Unless you have the right auto repair know-how to resolve the problem, the best course of action is to call a technician.

The repair price depends on which part needs a closer look. Here are the average repair costs of electrical components.

Power window repair usually costs around $200, while door lock repair is around $220. Meanwhile, repairs involving the entertainment system can set you back around $350.

Tips to Keep the Car Interior Maintained

Reduce the need for repairs with these upkeep tips for your car’s interior.

Use a Car Cover/Sun Cover

Using car covers, which cover the entire vehicle, helps prevent dashboard cracks and wear. You can also invest in a sun deflector or a dashboard cover. It doesn’t offer as much coverage as a car cover, but it can reduce cabin and dashboard temperatures by up to 25%.

Keep a Trash Can

Keeping a trash bin inside the cabin gives you and your passengers a proper place to stash food wrappers, empty cups, and other garbage. It also discourages people from sticking trash in your car’s nooks and crannies. You can empty the trash can on your next stop once it’s full, and wash it as needed when you get home.

Most car trash cans cost around $15, but you can get one for as low as $3. Alternatively, you can hang a garbage bag from the shifter as a makeshift garbage can.

Clean the Cup Holders

Drinks can spill or leak in cup holders, causing the storage units to become sticky. If you also store food and items in these pockets, expect to see crumbs and grime as well.

Cup holders can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so you must clean them frequently. Use a microfiber towel and some all-purpose cleaners to wipe away and remove sticky residue.

You can also use liners and silicone cups to prevent the cup holders from getting dirty in the first place.

Use Air Fresheners

Air fresheners can get rid of mild odors and give the cabin a nice smell to keep drives more relaxing and enjoyable. There are different scents you can choose from at different prices, starting at $3.

Avoid Eating Inside

One of the biggest culprits of stains and stench inside the car is food. Spilling food, drinks, oil, or condiments can ruin your seats or the carpet and leave behind a bad odor. That’s why it’s best to avoid eating inside since it’s easy to spill food and drinks when moving.

Of course, there are times when you can’t help but eat while you’re on your ride. Be careful and clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.

Frequently Shake Off the Car Mat

The car carpet is one of the leading areas for germs inside the car because of the traffic and dirt it gets. Make it a habit to shake off the mat regularly to dislodge and remove debris.

Use Seat Covers

Seat covers act as a protective layer, preventing stains and damage to the seats. They’re a valuable investment because it’s easier and cheaper to replace them if they get stained or damaged compared to car seats. In addition, they also protect leather seats from the sun.

You have a ton of options when it comes to covers. They can go for as low as $24 and as high as $550, depending on the design and material.

Vacuum Inside the Car

Frequently vacuuming and cleaning the car interior keeps dirt and grime from building up. This prevents damage to components like the blower motor, which can malfunction when it gets clogged.

To properly clean the cabin, make sure you move the front seats back so you get into every nook and cranny. You can vacuum the inside of your car once a week, and it’s ideal to perform a deep clean twice a year.

Where to Get Interior Parts and Accessories for Your Vehicle

Much like any vehicular repairs or upgrades, interior repair can be expensive if you seek professional help. As such, it may be better for you to go the DIY route for some procedures or find a way to prevent issues in the first place.

Examples of these include using carpet kits to replace worn carpets, replacing damaged dashboard covers, and protecting your vehicle using car covers. You can find all these and more when you shop at CarParts.com.

Simply enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector to start browsing compatible products for your daily driver. You can also use the search filters to find parts according to your preferences.

On hand and ready to ship, all our products come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee, so you never have to worry about breaking the bank for your repairs. Order now, and we’ll deliver everything you need straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.

Take advantage of the best deals on the market, and shop now!