No car owner wants to face a hefty repair bill. Unfortunately, with as many moving parts as the average vehicle has, it's only a matter of time before even the nicest of cars run into a mechanical problem. On the bright side, there are plenty of ways you can go about saving money on just about any type of auto repair with just a little bit of additional time and effort.
Shop for Aftermarket Parts
Depending on the current age and value of your vehicle, you might consider shopping for aftermarket replacement parts as opposed to original manufacturer parts. Aftermarket parts are made with the same standards as OEM parts but tend to cost significantly less than they do directly from the manufacturer. Ideally, you'll want to look into buying aftermarket replacement parts if you have an older car; with a newer car, it may be worth paying more for OEM parts to preserve the value of the vehicle, but it's ultimately your call.
Turn to Your Local Auto Parts Store
For simple auto repairs, you might be able to save a bit of money by buying the necessary part(s) at your local auto supply store and asking one of the technicians there to install it for you. Of course, they won't be able to help you with major repairs, but with something simple such as a car battery, this can be a great way to save some money. You can even ask them to show you how to install the part so you can perform the repair yourself down the road if needed.
Stay Away From the Dealership
A car dealership's service department is a great place to get oil changes and diagnostics for your vehicle. However, when it comes to major repairs, it's generally in your best interest to turn elsewhere--such as a qualified and reputable auto repair shop. Otherwise, you'll likely end up spending a lot more than you need to on the repair your vehicle requires.
Don't Forget About Warranties
Finally, when you're told you need a part replaced in your vehicle, don't forget to check and see if that part may still be under warranty. If so, then you may be able to get the necessary replacement part at no cost or at a reduced cost. Many vehicles these days come with bumper-to-bumper warranties and warranties on a car's powertrain, which includes the engine and other major components.
Share21 April 2016
After trying in vain to fix my car for a few months, I realized that I needed to hire a professional. I was tired of dealing with repairs that I was unfamiliar with, and I knew that I needed to get some help. I started looking around for a great auto mechanic, and even though one business was more expensive than others, I decided to work with them. They worked hard to fix my car, and I was really pleased with how great of a job they did. This blog is all about investing in proper auto service so that you don't have to deal with problems in the future.
