4 of The Best Tips for Saving Money on Car Repairs

Expenses are never fun, and car repairs are some of the most frustrating. Sudden car troubles, especially ones you could have possibly avoided, can cost an arm and a leg and can be devastating. It’s not easy to go days or weeks without reliable transportation, often leaving no choice but to fork over the cash for the repairs. Take a look at these four ways you can help keep your car repair expenses in check.

Find a trustworthy mechanic

Unfortunately, not all mechanics are trustworthy; in fact, some will even bill you for repairs that your car didn’t require. On the other hand, you can find many dependable, decent, and honest mechanics who will assist you. Make sure to speak with a professional panel beater and one of the good ones if you have been in an accident, and establish a sincere rapport with them. You can visit your mechanic rather than the car dealership even if your vehicle is still covered by a warranty. Just be sure to schedule your maintenance accordingly!

Do it yourself

If, after constant repairs, you keep finding yourself wondering if it’s all still worth it or not. That’s probably a result of continually dropping cash to fix your old car. If you’re at your wit’s end and tired of spending money, it’s time to learn some of the basic car maintenance and repair tasks so you can perform them yourself. Take some time to learn how to replace your fuses, battery, air filter, headlights and brake lights. Once you’ve learned how to do some of these basics you’ll be well on your way to saving money on repairing your car. It might also be beneficial to your pockets to learn how often various parts need replacing as to not overspend where it’s not needed. In order to find educational resources for such information look at articles similar to How Often Should You Replace An Air Filter and others online regarding possible other car parts you’re wanting to repair.

Find used car parts

Salvage car parts can save you hundreds – maybe thousands – of dollars in car repairs. If you can do the work yourself, it can save you even more money. A nationwide directory will allow you to search for the part of the car you need, including specific components like cummins fuel shutoff solenoids. Providing you know where to look, it does not matter how bespoke the part is, you will usually always be able to find it. All you have to do is provide the make and model of your vehicle. Many places will ship the part to you, or you can limit your search to junkyards in your area. You can also try to find the parts you need on eBay or Craigslist.

Keep up with preventative maintenance

Prevention is worth it! While it may seem like a hassle at the time, it’s so true that proper car maintenance will keep your car running well. Here are a few of the most important preventative maintenance items you need to do:

  • Keep your tired inflated.

Improperly inflated tires have an effect on wear and tear on the tire and the suspension, and can take a toll on your gas mileage.

  • Keep your wheels aligned.

Take your car to the shop often to have the alignment of your vehicle checked. You’ll feel a pull on the car to the left or right if the vehicle is out of alignment. If the car is out of alignment, the tires will wear unevenly and wear prematurely.

  • Check your fluid levels regularly.

Low fluid levels may increase the stress on the systems the fluid is servicing. Low fluid levels are also a clue that there may be a fluid leak you don’t know about. If you catch fluid leaks early and have them repaired, you may avoid system failures and expensive repairs. Additionally, if there is a need for engine parts replacement due to damage, you can look for affordable options available on the internet. You could find sites that can provide your car parts and accessories based on your vehicle’s year, make and model.

If you are faced with a substantial car repair bill, it’s always a good idea to seek a second opinion. Make sure you have a clear understanding of every line item of work that is being proposed. If you don’t know what something means, look it up online or ask questions! Make sure you don’t pay for extra costly car repairs that aren’t necessary.