They are one of the most expensive things we will ever own. In fact, for the majority of people, their car is the most valuable and the costliest of all their possessions except for the home. The amount they have to spend on their mechanics is a big part of that, as well. Cars are complex and fixing them isn’t easy so it’s no surprise repairs can be costly. But is there any way to at least make them more manageable? Does keeping your car in good condition always have to be so costly?
Not if you take care of it
Everyone can reduce how much they spend on repairs. The simple fact is that most drivers are too busy or simply not willing to put in the time to show their own auto a little more care. We can all do more to maintain our cars. Changing spark plugs, checking tire pressure, changing the oil when necessary. You can do all of these and more with the expensive help of a mechanic. If you own an electric car, you can still clean and polish it, lessening the risk of rust, and you can take care of the battery. The more time you put into the car, the less money you have to spend on it.
Not if you shop around
Make sure you’re not going to the most expensive garage in town. Even if they’re a legit business and not resorting to tricks, you could save money by going to their competition, especially if they’re a shorter distance away from you. Shop around when it comes to your parts and maintenance equipment as well. Suppliers like CTI Supply that sell directly to garages and other auto businesses could offer much better prices, especially if you buy in bulk. Don’t always let the garage find your replacement parts for you, either. It’s not entirely unheard of for mechanics to mark up the car parts they source and find for your vehicle. Of course, you shouldn’t try to go too cheap with replacement parts, as that can only end up making them more likely to break and need another replacement in short order.
Not if you prepare
One of the most expensive parts of car repair isn’t the bill, but how unprepared the majority of car owners are for them. If your car has a malfunction or accident and your insurance isn’t paying, you may find that you don’t have the funds readily available. A lot of businesses will let you make repairs on credit, but often with interest that marks up the overall price significantly. By putting aside a car maintenance fund as shown at The Nest, you can avoid going into debt and have the cash ready to go when you need it.
As well as the tips above, you do want to make sure you’re being taken for a ride by your mechanic. Take a closer look at your bill the next time you visit and make sure you’re not getting any extra charges you shouldn’t.