After my car died last summer, I did everything I could to learn what I could have done to prevent the problems. In addition to learning more about the preventive care and maintenance I should have been doing, I also learned how to correctly diagnose different issues, such as warped rotors, low oil pressure, and even incorrect wheel alignment. This blog is all about auto repair, so that you can prevent problems before they manifest themselves in an inconvenient way. You never know, the information on this blog could keep you out of serious trouble or help you to save a little money.
No one likes to pay for car repairs, and with a little planning (and some luck) you'll always have enough money in your budget to cover the cost of any unexpected repairs. However, sometimes life happens, and money is a barrier between you and a smoothly operating car. While it's true that smart people save ahead for these unexpected repairs, truly clever people also know how to cut costs on these car repairs to help make them more affordable. Here are some clever ways you can save money on car repair costs.
Start by choosing the right car
This tip won't necessarily help you right now if your car is in trouble, but it is one of the cleverest things you can do to help avoid costly repairs later on. When it's time to buy your next car, make sure you take the time to review consumer reports and reviews to see which cars are usually the most reliable. You can also ask your auto insurance company for a list of reliable cars to choose from.
Befriend your local mechanic
Don't wait until you're in a panic with a broken down car to start looking for a mechanic. Strike up a relationship with a local, reliable auto mechanic that you feel comfortable with. This can help save you money in several ways. First, a smaller, local mechanic's business is likely to offer you a good price on any work you have done just so they can keep you as a regular customer. Second, they may be able to advise you on how to do simpler repair jobs yourself, which can save you money. Finally, you'll be more likely to keep up your regular maintenance with a good mechanic to remind you when it's time to tackle those routine maintenance jobs.
Take your car to your local automotive trade school for repairs
Some repairs may be suitable for mechanics-in-training, so check with your local vocational and trade schools to see if they offer repairs through their automotive training departments. Students, under the supervision of qualified mechanics, tackle minor repairs and typically charge much less for their work than your local mechanic would. Bear in mind that many of these repairs come with no guarantees and some problems may be too tricky for students to tackle. Plus, you may be required to buy your car parts through the school, but this can still save you big money on your repairs.
Get used auto parts for your repairs
Sometimes you may be lucky enough to "know a guy" who's handy at tackling auto repairs, but you'll still need to source parts for the job. Before you go to the auto parts store and hand over your wallet, contact your local junk yard and explain what you're looking for. Junk yards get cars of all shapes, sizes, makes, and models, and they'll often be able to tell you if they have what you need when you phone them. Other times you might have to just go and have a look around, hoping for the best. Either way, used car parts can save you a lot of money, but you need to be careful to choose parts that are in good condition.
Parts that are mostly cosmetic in nature, like door panels and hoods, can be super bargains if you get them at a junk yard. Other parts, like brake components and seatbelts, are best bought new for safety's sake.
Unexpected car repairs may be a pain, but you can ease the "ouch" by choosing a reliable car, keeping up with your automotive maintenance schedule, finding a great mechanic, and choosing used car parts whenever it's suitable. Be clever about your car repairs, and you'll keep more money in your bank account, too.
Share24 May 2016
