How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

By John

Your car is always going to break down or be involved in an accident at the most inconvenient moment — on your way to catch a flight, or on vacation with your family far from home, in the middle of a torrential rainstorm, in the middle of nowhere, and probably in the middle of the night.

Getting it fixed is going to be a hassle as well as a blow to your wallet as not only is it not included in your budget, but emergency repairs always cost more than ‘normal’ ones and there are all the other incidental costs to bear as well — alternative transport, maybe re-scheduling your flight, perhaps an extra night in a hotel.

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You can never guarantee that your car won’t break down but you can reduce the likelihood and save a considerable amount of money if it does happen, at the same time reducing the overall costs of your car ownership.

The best ways to save money on car repairs consist of actions you should take before a breakdown occurs – and that means now – and those you can take after a breakdown or accident.

How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

What you can do now

1. Moderate your driving habits to avoid putting undue stress on your car’s components. This includes not overloading it, avoiding violent braking, acceleration and cornering maneuvers, and over-revving the engine. You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on things like tire pressures, battery care, load limits and driving tips.
2. Practice preventive maintenance by keeping your car clean (the working bits, that is, not so much the bodywork), and having it regularly serviced.
3. Join a motoring association such as the AAA. They can help you to save money if you need to have your car repaired, and offer innumerable other benefits as well, such as discounted hotel prices, insurance and more.
4. Find an auto supply store that also carries out checks on basic components such as tires, battery, alternator, starter. Such stores are often cheaper than a garage. Some will carry out simple repairs or offer you the equipment to do them yourself.
5. Find a garage or mechanic you trust. Shop around, get referrals from your friends.
6. Learn more about your car by reading the manual and helpful websites. You should pick up some useful advice that enables you to save money by doing simple maintenance work yourself instead of having the garage do it. You could consider buying your own code reader for about $100 which will diagnose your car’s health and enable you to identify any problems that need to be fixed. This will save the garage time, and save you money.

How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

What you can do after the breakdown or accident

1. Research the likely costs of having your car repaired; several websites give comprehensive guidance. There is even a smartphone app with this function. The knowledge will help when you discuss the repair with your garage and enable you to spot any attempt to overcharge or carry out unnecessary work.
2. Shop around until you find a garage or repair shop that will do the work at the recommended rate.
3. Buy your own spare parts. Search the web for spare parts stores and buy the parts yourself. This will save money as you are in effect cutting out the middleman (the garage).

We hope you liked our article How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars on credit cards, cell phones, long distance, Internet, and more. Free comparison tools and reviews.