How Tariffs Could Affect the Cost of Your Auto Repairs
At A+ Japanese Auto Repair, we believe in keeping our customers informed—not just about their vehicles, but also about the bigger picture that could impact their wallets. One topic that’s been making headlines lately is tariffs—especially on imported goods—and it’s something that could influence the future cost of auto repairs.
So what are tariffs, and why should you care? Let’s break it down.
🚗 What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs are taxes imposed by the government on imported goods. When countries add tariffs to products from other nations, it makes those products more expensive to import. While this is often done to encourage buying domestic products, it can also raise the prices on goods we rely on—like auto parts.
🧰 How Do Tariffs Affect Auto Repairs?
Many car parts used in repairs—such as brakes, engines, transmissions, electronics, and even body panels—are manufactured overseas. When tariffs are placed on those imported parts, the cost to bring them into the country goes up.
And unfortunately, that cost doesn’t stop at the border—it eventually reaches your repair bill.
Here’s how it could impact your next visit:
- Higher Part Prices – Whether it’s a spark plug or a suspension component, the cost of the part may increase due to added tariffs.
- Limited Availability – Some shops may struggle to get parts in a timely manner, which could slow down repairs.
- Price Fluctuations – With market uncertainty, the cost of repairs could become more unpredictable.
🔍 Example: A Common Repair
Let’s say you need a new alternator for your car. If the part is imported and subject to a 25% tariff, that $300 part could now cost $375—before labor. Multiply that across other components, and you can see how things could add up quickly.
🛠️ What We’re Doing to Help
At A+ Japanese Auto Repair, we're always working to minimize the impact on you:
- Sourcing Smarter – We work with a wide network of suppliers to find the best prices and availability, whether parts are domestic or imported.
- Transparent Pricing – We’ll always let you know up front what a repair will cost, and explain any price changes.
- Maintenance First – Staying on top of routine maintenance can help you avoid bigger, more expensive repairs down the road.
💬 What You Can Do
- Ask questions – We’re happy to explain the parts we’re using and why.
- Plan ahead – If you know your vehicle needs work, don’t wait until something breaks.
- Stay informed – Keep an eye on how policy changes may affect costs—and we’ll do the same.
In short: Tariffs are one of those behind-the-scenes factors that can ripple through the economy and land right on your repair invoice. We’re here to help you navigate it.
Got questions? Do you need any repair work before prices go up? Give us a call or stop by the shop. We’re always happy to chat about cars, costs, or anything else on your mind.
A+ Japanese Auto Repair, Inc.
780 Industrial Road
San Carlos CA 94070
650-946-1856
https://aplusjapaneseautorepair.com/appointments