Car Repair Savings

“You can pay me now or pay me later” was a slogan made famous by an oil filter company several years ago.  It showed an auto mechanic explaining to a customer that he could either pay a small sum now to replace the oil filter or pay a greater sum later to replace the car’s engine.  Since autos average a record 9.4 years on the road, it pays to keep your car running efficiently.

 
Two key things that will help keep costs down are finding a reputable mechanic and adhering religiously to the owner’s manual maintenance schedule.

People think they can save money by taking their car to specialty shops for oil changes, brake jobs etc.  Research shows that having a regular repair shop saves you more money in the long run. Your mechanic knows your car’s history and will keep an eye out for what service your car needs.

Regular check-ups are crucial not only for your safety but they will save you money.  If, for example, you have a car with 60,000 miles, you are ready for a check-up that will include replacing the timing belt.  A check-up like this will cost you anywhere from $300 to $600.  If you were to skip this and the timing belt snaps, it could cost you upwards of $3,000 for engine damage.

If you buy a car that still has factory warranty, using your dealership for repairs saves money.  When your warranty runs out, consider an independent shop.  An Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association study shows independent shops are about 30% cheaper than dealerships.
To find a reputable mechanic go to the AAA web site and look for shops that are a part of the AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Network or DriverSide.com for facilities that get the Blue Seal of Excellence from the NIASE. 

Word of mouth is also a great way to find a reputable mechanic.  That is how I found a wonderful shop that I trust.