The average American household spends 1.5% of its annual income on repairs to its vehicle(s).
Because damage often happens without warning, paying for it can be difficult. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to save on auto repairs.
Some of the best ways to save on auto repairs are preventative measures. And if you need help with car repairs right away, there are ways to save money there, too.
Keep reading for 5 simple ways to get help with car repairs.
1. Regular Maintenance
The best way to save money on car repairs is to prevent them. The best way to prevent the need for repairs is to get regular maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures that small problems don’t become big, expensive ones.
You can find out how often you should be servicing your car by locating the Scheduled Maintenance Guide in your owner’s manual. Those recommendations come from the manufacturer, so you know they can be trusted.
2. OEM Versus Aftermarket Parts
If you don’t go to the automaker for repairs, you’ll likely have the choice between OEM or aftermarket parts. Which parts you choose will have an impact on the price tag.
Original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts are the parts made by automakers and their subsidiaries. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are parts made by aftermarket manufacturers.
Aftermarket parts meet or exceed the standards of OEM specifications. The major difference between them is the cost. Aftermarket parts cost significantly less.
3. Ask for Recommendations
Friends, family, and colleagues are a great resource when it comes to finding great repair shops. They can share their first-hand experience of affordable shops with great service.
Online reviews are also helpful in this regard. Look for the most affordable shops in your area and read their reviews. Narrow down your top choices and call or visit them to find the best quote for the work you need to have done.
4. Go Local
If you’re looking for help with car repairs, don’t take your vehicle into a big national chain. There are many ways that taking your car to a local shop will help with car repairs (and their financing).
When you take your car to a local shop, you build a relationship with your mechanic. They get to know your vehicle and you, and that level of service and trust is invaluable. You can trust them not to suggest unnecessary repairs and they can help with preventative maintenance, too.
5. Care for Your Car
Another method of preventing the need for car repairs is to treat your car with care. That means:
- Don’t ride the breaks or the clutch because it wears on these components.
- Avoid speeding, which can cause problems for wheel alignment, tires, steering, and suspension.
- Don’t allow your fuel to run low regularly because that wears on the fuel pump.
- Don’t switch from reverse to drive without stopping as this will hurt the transmission.
Take care of your vehicle and you’ll notice that it doesn’t have as many problems.
Looking for Help With Car Repairs?
The best way to save on car repairs is to prevent them by caring for your vehicle and performing regular maintenance. When your car needs to be fixed right away, you can save by looking for aftermarket parts, shopping around for the best quote, and sticking with a local shop. And if you’re looking for a local shop in Ventura, CA, contact us for an appointment.
