In today’s unpredictable economic landscape, many car owners are starting to ask: Will rising tariffs and supply chain issues affect the cost of auto repairs? It’s a valid concern — especially as global trade dynamics, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to affect everything from grocery bills to gas prices.
At BA Auto Care, we’re keeping a close eye on how these factors are influencing the automotive repair industry — and more importantly, how they might affect you as a car owner.
Are Tariffs Raising the Cost of Car Repairs?
Over the past few months, tariffs have become a hot topic in the automotive world. Certain auto parts — especially those manufactured overseas — could become more expensive as new tariffs are introduced or adjusted. While the situation is still evolving, the expectation is clear: if tariffs persist or increase, parts that once cost $50 might soon cost $60 or more.
However, at BA Auto Care, we haven’t seen significant price hikes — yet. That’s because we’ve built strong partnerships with some of the largest auto parts warehouse networks in the country. These suppliers carry extensive inventories of original equipment (OE) parts, which act as a buffer against sudden market changes. In addition to those warehouse suppliers, we also have access to original dealer networks to ensure that we can always find the right part at a fair price.
What Happens If Tariffs Continue?
If tariff increases become consistent and suppliers begin to exhaust their current stock levels, it’s likely that repair costs will gradually rise — particularly for parts that aren’t manufactured domestically. This is when we start to see the real impact on customers’ bills. That said, we’re doing everything we can to minimize those impacts — and one key strategy makes a big difference…
The Power of Preventive Maintenance
One of the major advantages we have at BA Auto Care is that the vast majority of our customers are committed to preventive maintenance. And that’s not just a nice-sounding term — it’s a cost-saving strategy. Preventive maintenance includes services like:
- Regular oil changes
- Scheduled fluid checks and top offs
- Brake inspections
- Belt and hose replacements
- Air filter changes
- Tire rotations and alignments
These services use parts that are typically less expensive and readily available. When you stay ahead of wear and tear, you can avoid the costlier (and now more vulnerable) repairs that rely on more expensive components and longer lead times.
What You Can Do as a Car Owner
Here’s how you can protect your vehicle — and your wallet — in this changing landscape:
- Stick to a preventive maintenance schedule. It’s the best way to avoid large, unexpected repair bills.
- Ask your technician about parts availability. At BA Auto Care, we’re happy to tell you whether a repair might be affected by current parts stock.
- Plan ahead. If you know your brakes or timing belt will need attention in the next few months, it may be wise to schedule it sooner rather than later.
- Work with a trusted shop. Our long-term relationships with major parts suppliers mean we can often source parts faster and at better prices than shops without those connections.
How BA Auto Care Is Keeping Repairs Affordable
We’re proactive. We stay informed. And we put our customers first. By combining deep supply chain connections, a focus on original equipment quality, and a strong emphasis on preventive maintenance, BA Auto Care is in a strong position to navigate the ongoing uncertainty — and help you do the same. If you’re concerned about upcoming maintenance or parts availability, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and keep your car running smoothly, efficiently, and affordably.
Schedule your next preventive maintenance visit today — and stay ahead of the curve. Call us or book your appointment online.
