How to Save Money on Car Repairs

According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of car repairs is between $500-$600 for a single visit to the mechanic.¹ However, we can help you figure out how to save money on car repairs with our tips on being frugal with your auto maintenance budget.

7 ways to save money on car repairs

Even if you’re not a car expert, you can save money on parts and common car repair costs — without doing a DIY job on every fix.

1. Search for a reputable repair shop. When choosing a mechanic, it’s important to find a shop that’s honest, reliable and fairly priced. There are a few ways to do your research:

   • Ask people you trust. Talk to friends and family to find out their personal experiences. It can be helpful to start your list of potential repair shops using recommendations from people you know.
   • Consider online reviews. One of the easiest ways to gather opinions about a business is to read online reviews. While some reviews might not be helpful, you can usually build your own opinions based on common themes in the comments.
   • Talk to shop owners. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of mechanics, make an appointment to talk to the owner or manager of the shop. This will help you gauge your comfort level with the staff beyond just the cost of car repairs. Many repair shops are willing to tell you their hourly rate, which helps you compare prices. Also, ask what certifications they have. Examples of national certifications and associations include the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the Independent Auto Body Association (IABA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

2. Shop around for estimates.
   Even when you've found a reputable garage or mechanic, it doesn't hurt to ask for a second, third or fourth opinion from other trustworthy competitors. You’ll want to ask how much the car repairs cost and if they offer warranties on parts or labor. As you consider your options, ask for estimates in writing to be sure you’re going to get the price they quote. Be sure to get more than one quote to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

3. Educate yourself on common car repairs.
   Understanding how your vehicle works can potentially save you money. For example, if you tell a mechanic that your steering wheel vibrates when you drive, they will take the time (and cost of labor) to diagnose the issue and create an estimate. However, if you tell them that your alignment feels off, they'll know where to start looking for problems. Plus, you'll send a message that you understand the situation and what services may be required.
   
   Not sure where to start? We have a few ideas to help you save time and money on repairs that might not be major repairs:

   • Read your vehicle's owner's manual. If you want detailed information on your exact make and model, read your owner's manual. While it may not offer guidance or advice regarding repair work, it can help you get familiar with the inner workings of your vehicle.
   • Search the internet for your specific issue. Check engine light on? Brakes squeaking? Online articles and videos might be able to offer insight. Some amateur and professional mechanics also document their work and share the content for people to reference on YouTube. If nothing else, you have a starting point for describing the problem to your mechanic.
   • Visit free auto education websites. If you want to learn everything about how cars work, websites such as How a Car Works and AutoEducation are excellent no-cost resources.

4. Buy your own parts.
   When you bring your vehicle to a mechanic, the cost of your car repair includes parts and labor. If you buy your parts for less than your mechanic’s price, you could keep more money in your pocket.
   
   However, not all repair shops allow customers to supply their own parts. Before you start to shop around, find out if your mechanic allows customers to supply their own parts. If the answer is yes, compare prices of online warehouses and local auto part suppliers before making a purchase — and make sure you buy the correct items.

5. Keep up with routine maintenance.
   Don’t try to save a few dollars by skipping your regular oil change and tire rotation. You should change your oil about every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and the type of oil you’re using.2 Taking care of basic mechanical upkeep can save you from spending money on serious repairs in the future. Also, rotating your tires according to your manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule can extend their life by evenly distributing wear and tear. The bottom line is that a little bit of prevention can go a long way in saving you money on the cost of car repairs.

6. Don’t ignore warning lights.
   Pretending you don’t see your check engine light come on doesn’t count as an affordable car repair. Although it can come on because of simple things like a loose gas cap or regular maintenance reminder, it can also be a sign of a serious problem. Ignoring your oil light could result in premature wear and corrosion on your engine, creating a much bigger (and more expensive) problem. It’s best to take your car to the shop right away so your mechanic can diagnose the issue before it becomes a larger and more expensive fix.

7. DIY on the small projects.
   Burned-out headlight? Cracked windshield wiper blade? You might not need to pay a mechanic to replace certain vehicle parts. Car repair shops typically charge an hourly rate for labor on top of the price of the parts. Many mechanics bill $80 to $100 per hour3, so it could be worth your while to change tires, replace bulbs or install wiper blades on your own (or with the guidance of a YouTube video). Just be sure you’ve got the right model numbers, the correct tools and a little bit of patience.

The nuts and bolts

Sometimes, no matter how much money you save by using these tips, paying for the cost of car repairs can still be a challenge. That’s the time to explore financing options for your car repairs. Maintaining your car’s health may not be as difficult or expensive as you think, as long as you do your research and take care of simple repairs before they become major fixes.

1. https://newsroom.aaa.com/2017/04/one-three-u-s-drivers-cannot-pay-unexpected-car-repair-bill/
2. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2016/09/what-happens-when-you-skip-oil-changes
3. https://www.cashcarsbuyer.com/auto-repair-labor-rate-per-hour