As another record breaking winter passes us by the need for car repairs is evident for many owners. Fox 47 News reports that auto shops are overwhelmed by the demand of repairs necessary after drivers have dinged and banged their vehicles through the pothole filled streets. Prolonging the need for repairs only makes matters worse, but most car owners would agree that receiving a three to four figure bill can be a hard pill to swallow.
An eye opening report from US News in 2013 points out that the average cost of car repairs has increased by about 10 percent totaling approximately $340. Not only that but the study shows that the cost of automotive parts has increased by as much as six percent while the cost of labor rises to about 17 percent. These increases might be great for the automotive industry, but it leaves car owners wondering where to turn.
Many car owners have taken the DIY approach striving to complete as much maintenance and repairs on their own vehicles as they can. Completing the task themselves allows them to save on the cost of labor and parts. However, this option also leaves owners vulnerable to improper repairs, significant damage to their vehicles, and the heightened risk for safety.
Other car owners have put certain repairs on the back burner as they scramble to make ends meet. The problem with this option however is that prolonging necessary repairs and maintenance will only lead to more damage and higher costs down the road.
So, how can the average Joe save on car repairs without sacrificing their safety or incurring higher costs later on? Here is a bit of advice below:
Keep Up With Maintenance Schedules
Every car has a maintenance schedule that should be maintained to the best of your ability. For example, it is recommended that oil is changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Maintaining your vehicle maintenance schedule helps to keep your car’s integrity under wraps. Most routine maintenance jobs are inexpensive and fairly easy to accomplish. In maintaining your car, you keep the smaller issues from turning into larger ones.
Extended Warranty Services
Extended warranty services are another option that can actually save drivers money over time. Such warranties provide coverage on qualifying automotive repairs. For a low monthly fee, the warranty provides financial coverage on costly repairs (minus your agreed upon deductible). So let’s say your transmission is bad. Rather than paying the thousands of dollars it would cost to have it rebuilt or replaced, you’d simply have the mechanic submit the estimate to your chosen extended warranty service provider and they’d pay for the service and you’d simply pay your deductible. For vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles on it and no manufacturer warranties left, this option could save a great deal of money.
Purchase Automotive Parts Online
The last option that is becoming increasingly popular is the idea of purchasing automotive parts online. As you know car owners are billed for the parts and labor, which can really add up fairly quickly. Instead, owners can opt to search for a reputable online vendor and purchase the exact parts they need for a fraction of what it might cost from the mechanic. Whether you need brake pads for your Honda or Audi performance parts, these can easily be purchased online and shipped at a discounted price. Owners should take caution to choosing the right vendor that also backs their products with warranties for consumer protection.
Even though the cost of fuel has significantly declined, there’s always some added expense that car owners just aren’t ready for. While repairs are necessary to keep your vehicle running, they don’t always have to break your bank or empty your emergency savings. Simply try some of the advice listed above for additional savings and peace of mind.