How to Save Money on Car Repairs

A lot of us keep our cars and trucks for over 10 years, which means they may be out of warranty. So today, we have some tips on how to save on your repair bill.

Most repairs, like new tires or brake pads can cost hundreds of dollars. And it can be hard to find a good, trustworthy mechanic. Some repair shops charge a lot less than others, but you might not have enough time to get quotes from every shop in town. It’s smart to shop around, using a smartphone apps like Open Bay and Repair Pal. Motorists often need new brake pads, and can find prices ranging from 500 to 950 dollars.

Another place to look, is for recalls and free announcements from automakers. Of course, we’ve heard an awful lot of those THIS year in particular. GM alone has recalled more than 2 million vehicles to repair things like faulty ignitions, brake problems, steering systems, wheels, and fuel pumps. It’s smart to keep an eye out for any free recalls, because it’s an effective way to upgrade new parts on your car without paying for repairs.

Many people try another way to avoid paying for repairs by purchasing the extended warranty. It’s a common sales tactic at most car dealers, but buyer beware. Most products do NOT break during the warranty. So it’s not alway worth spending the money.

Many parts that DO break down are already covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, and some are even covered under the store return policy. It’s hard to sift through all the fine print, but as a rule of thumb, most auto dealer warranties are specifically set up as another way for them to make money on the sale.

Keep in mind, the cost of the extended warranty can often cost just as much as the repair itself, so you would essentially be paying for the repair, whether you needed it or not.