Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How To Save Money On Car Repairs

Car repair costs are rising exponentially on a daily basis. Modern cars have some amazing features that have added to the comfort of the driver, but this has also given rise to the disadvantage that car repairs and servicing costs a lot more today, than it did a while ago. A xenon headlight repair can cost you thousands of dollars! Additionally, the costlier the car you drive, the greater it costs you to get it repaired.

Dealerships across the United States have also raised their labor charges. Certified mechanics charge on an hourly basis and these numbers are almost as high as $70 to $80 an hour. Naturally, it is important that you are aware of all these figures, so you can be informed and not get a huge surprise when it comes to paying your bill. It is a good idea to get a quote from several dealers, so you can get the best deals.

The cost of car repairs depends on several factors. First, it depends on the region you are living in. Secondly, it depends on the age of your car, its brand and make. Foreign import cars are costlier to repair. Their parts are difficult to find and you might need to visit specialized auto repair shops for this purpose.

However, there are some things you can do to keep your car repair costs lower. First of all, ensure that you read the manual thoroughly. This can give you very good tips for self repair. If you do not have experience in the matter; it is best to get the car looked at by a professional. Secondly, regular servicing at the recommended mileage is also very important. These services are done in the warranty period and can help save you a great deal of money. They also 'catch' problems in the early stages and can help prevent costs of future repairs. The warning lights on the dashboard are also very important as they warn you of wear and tear. Such repairs can cost a lot less than when you take in your car for repairs at a much later stage. Regular oil changes are also important to add to the lifespan of your car. That said; there are newer cars that go without an oil change for up to 5000 or even 10,000 miles. Car brands like Ford recommend oil changes after 7500 miles on models beyond '07.

Other small yet overlooked things, which can lead to large car repair bills, include not checking the receipts properly. Make sure that you ask your mechanics about the parts replaced. If you have taken an estimate prior to getting the job done, you are entitled to question them as to why the billed amount is higher. Finding an honest auto shop is thus very important. Unscrupulous mechanics will not hesitate to call you and ask you to get further repairs as long as your car is there in his garage. It is best to switch to new mechanic unless your current one makes a good case that your car indeed needs additional work.

4 comments:

  1. You have some great tips here for keeping car repairs costs low. I think the first thing you mentioned, reading the manual thoroughly, is vital. Not many people do it, but I am sure it could help when you go in for repairs. http://www.provocardoctor.com

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