How To – Save Money On Auto Repairs

After the recession, you must have resolved to save every penny that you can. However, there are times that are unforeseen and you may have to spend some money that you think is uncalled for. Car repairs can be expensive and on top of that there are fraud companies too those try to trick you of your money. Despite all odds, there are still ways by which you can save some amount of money from the total expenditure.

Let us take a look at the 5 popular ways in which you may save some dough that you would otherwise have to spend on your car repairs:

• 1.    Basic Education: It is important that you have some basic information about the vehicle that you drive.  Cars come with an owner’s manual that you can read and familiarize yourself with. Once you have a basic understanding of your vehicle, you can have a better understanding of the functioning of these parts. You must have basic knowledge about battery, types of transmission your vehicle possesses, alternator, radiator, and the fuel system in your car and how to check and change the fluids. With such knowledge, you may be able to perform certain functions yourself, without having to take help from a car repair shop and hence save on that amount.

• 2.    Regular auto checks: It is very important that you get regular check ups for your vehicle. It is as important as a routine check up for you. When you take your car for regular check ups you can ensure that it runs well and in the long run you do not have to pay too much money for getting your car serviced. If you are serious about saving some money, then regular check ups for your car is a must. Check the fluids on a regular basis and the tires. Ensure that the thread is thick in the tires and that they are not making any noises.

• 3.    Check prices with body shops: This is probably one of the very important but definitely not the most important part. When you get your research done regarding repair shops, compare the price that each shop quotes and the kind of parts that they would be using or even the service that they would be providing. The best one with the best price and the best service or parts wins.

• 4.    Do it Yourself: There are certain things that you can do them yourself. If you have a flat tire, you shouldn’t need a car mechanic, you should be able to do it yourself. There is ample information on the Internet that you can browse through so that you can help yourself in case of an emergency. You should also invest in a service manual / repair manual.  Depending on others means you have to spend some money or you could ask your friends to help.

• 5.    Have car insurance: Always have car insurance. In the US you cannot drive a car unless you have insurance. Having a license is not enough. Your insurance company should cover you for auto repair needs. However, even then you should get a background check done so that you can save the out-of-pocket money (if any).

• 6.    Be involved with the repair: It is your car and you have the right to know everything the mechanic will do to your car. Ask him questions about the procedure. Maybe getting into too technical matters is not the way but you must be aware of the procedure that the mechanic will take up. At the end of the day, you are the one who will pay for the repairs. You can compare with other body shops too and see if they are being fair.

Tag: auto repairs • diy • do it yourself • how to • save money

Posted in How To's