How to Spend Less on Auto Repairs
Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
When it comes to the cost of car repairs, many think that they’re overwhelmingly expensive.
The truth is that while they can be, there are ways to make that expense easier on your wallet.
Here are some tips on how to spend less on your next necessary automotive repairs.
-
Avoid the Dealership
When you purchase a car, you typically get it from a dealership that specializes in that brand of car. Therefore, when you have a problem with your vehicle, it makes sense to take it back there. However, you should avoid doing so. While they do have specialized knowledge about your vehicle, so do other shops. Dealerships tend to charge higher hourly rates than your casual repair shops. So look for reputable automotive repair shops in your area instead.
-
Do Price Research Ahead of Time
It’s never a good idea to just agree to the price stated by a car repair facility for the problem that you have. Rather, take a moment to do some online research. You can find roundabout prices for many various automotive repair services for the type of vehicle that you have. Make sure that you’re being offered a repair value somewhere within this reasonable range. Otherwise, you may find yourself overpaying for a repair.
-
Obtain Your Own Parts
Many mom and pop repair shops will allow you to bring your own parts in for repairs. It’s a known fact that auto repair shops will mark up the price of parts so they can make extra money on them. By purchasing the item yourself, you can avoid that tacked on price point. Also, try and sign up for vendor accounts with parts suppliers. Many allow anyone to sign up for an account and they offer parts at a discounted rate.
-
Consider Doing Easy Repairs Yourself
While having a reliable mechanic on speed dial is a necessity for major repairs, you may be able to handle minor repairs on your own. There is a wealth of information out there about do-it-yourself car repairs for all different makes and models. For this reason, you should consider referring to these videos and attempting the repair yourself. This step for saving money may not be for everyone but it will save you tons of money on labor fees if you do it right.
Spending less on automotive repairs is all something we want to do. The above are just four of the biggest decisions you can make to save your money. Do your research, avoid the dealership, obtain your own parts, and do easy repair yourself. All of these tips will help you save more on auto repairs.
Throw us a like at Facebook.com/doable.financeAuthor BIO
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
