Drivers in New Jersey are suffering from soaring prices when it comes to car repairs. A recent study from CarMD.com found that the Garden State was the place with the most expensive check engine light-related repairs in 2012 – a feat that's is likely attributed, at least in part, to Hurricane Sandy. <\/p>\n
There was a significant increase in the number of motorists who had to bring their cars in for repairs in the wake of the Superstorm, which contributed to rising costs of labor and replacement parts. Even after the immediate damage of the storm was assessed, the rates continued to increase, as there were many drivers who put off receiving the necessary car repair – causing more damage to their vehicles in the process.<\/p>\n
The average cost of check engine light-related fixes in the U.S. was $367.84 in 2012 – an increase of 10 percent from the year before. However, New Jersey drivers had to deal with even higher prices, as the average cost of repairs in the Garden State was $392.99. <\/p>\n
"In 2012, we saw a dramatic shift in the top five most expensive states for average car repairs, as many drivers along the East Coast incurred rising auto repair costs, while they simultaneously contended with Hurricane Sandy's aftermath," said Ieon C. Chen, CEO of CarMD.com. "Car owners in many states also continued to put off small repairs, contributing to cumulative failures with increased repair costs." <\/p>\n