How Much Does a Compression Test Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A compression test is a diagnostic test that can tell you whether or not your car is running correctly.

According to Yahoo, “It will tell you if your engine has good compression. An engine is essentially a self-powered air pump, so it needs good compression to run efficiently, cleanly and to start easily.  As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 pounds of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders.”

If your car has been running rough, having a hard time starting, or losing power, it may be time to take it in for a compression test.

This test is going to check the compression in the cylinders to determine if pressure is escaping the engine.  This test is great to determine the overall health of the engine.

Engine by sylvar, on Flickr
Engine” (CC BY 2.0) by sylvar

How much does an engine compression test cost?

On average, for the compression test itself, plan on spending anywhere from $120 to as much as $250.  The test is going to depend on the mechanic performing the job, your geographical location, the make and model of the vehicle, the type of engine and if a leakdown test will be performed as well.

Forum members on this Iwsti.comm forum thread claimed that the average costs for their compression test was anywhere from $125 to as much as $180.

On this Nasioc.com forum thread, forum members claimed that they paid anywhere from $140 to as much as $250 for the test.  The costs were dependent upon the length and mechanic.

Engine compression test overview

During a compression test, the spark plugs will be removed and the compression tester will be screwed into a cylinder.  Once in place, the engine will start up and the mechanic will press the gas to crank over the engine.  When the PSI cannot increase any more, another mechanic will be able to note the number.  This will be repeated for the rest of the cylinders in the car.  Depending on the car, the mechanic will be able to match up to readings to determine if there is an issue with the car’s engine.

When a compression test is performed, a leak down test is commonly performed alongside it.  The leak down test will take air from the compressor and measure the rate at is leaking through the engine.  Since the engine will not be running during the test, the leak down test will be able to find the source of leakage by listening for the escaped air.

The average compression test is going to take upwards of one hour to perform.

What are the extra costs?

If any problems are found during the test, additional repairs can apply.  For example, if a spark plug is faulty or a piston ring has gone bad, a repair will be required right away.

If you are going to do the test yourself, you will need a compression test kit.

Tips to know

If your car is blowing blue smoke, leaking oil, or you feel the piston rings are going bad, it may be time to have this test performed.  These common symptoms are often due to a lack of power within the engine.

A compression test can be performed manually or electronically.  If you take your car to a mechanic, they will use an engine analyzer to perform the compression test electronically.  However, most people do not have access to this tool, which means that they will have to perform the test manually.  When working on the car yourself, always refer to your manual for specific instructions.

How can I save money?

Always compare prices with the mechanics in your area.  As long as you know you are going to need a compression test, most are more than happy to offer you a quote over the phone.

If you know how to work with cars on your own, consider doing the test on your own.  A compression kit on Amazon, for example, can retail for $30 to $40.  However, this will just give you a number.  If you have to perform a leak down test, additional materials will be required.

Keep your eyes peeled for special coupons or promotions at your local auto shop.


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Average Reported Cost: $450

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How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Tyra (Ingleside, Tx 78362,  Texas) paid $450 and said:

    Code diagnostic and compression test. &123 per hour Cadillac 2007

    Was it worth it? Yes

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