5 Steps To Save Money On Car Repairs

When it comes to repairing our cars, it is almost impossible to plan ahead. We don’t know when or where our cars will need a service or repair, and this often means we’re willing to pay top dollar to simply get our issues dealt with as fast as possible. 

However, you don’t always need to pay through the nose for a vehicle repair. 

With the right place to look and taking the right precautions, we can save a lot of money on car repairs, and in this article, we will give you all you need to know to save as much as possible. 

• Always Compare Costs for Rudimentary Repairs 

Off the top, one of our biggest tips here is to keep a close eye on the prices of the more rudimentary replacements and repairs out there. 

This means prices for everything from simple light repairs, windscreen cracks or replacements and just about everything else should be diligently looked at. You’re going to want to compare quotes from a lot of different service providers before you make any sort of deal. There are often large price discrepancies between mechanics depending on their location and skill set, and so you’re always going to want to look around for the repairs that aren’t too complex. 

Of course, when it comes to things such as engine repairs or replacements, or a gearbox repair, for example, you’ll want to (and should expect to) pay a little more than you’d like as these repairs are rather complex. Though, small repairs should be as affordable as possible. 

• Check Lights On Your Own 

Another way to save a buck here and there is to make sure your integral components, such as lights, are kept well looked over at all times. You’re more likely to pay far too much for light repairs should you not be prepared for these. For example, if you’re out on the road and a headlamp blows, or both go out, you’re certainly going to be prepared to pay a lot for these types of repairs in the spur of the moment. 

However, if you or a friend or family member have taken a look over the lights for you, you’ll be far more likely to be prepared and ‘ready’ for these light repairs, and so you’ll have the time and the patience to look around and shop for a good deal.

Always be sure to test your brake and reverse lights when you can, and check out the fog lamps and high beams too, as you’re going to want to ensure these little-used lights are in good order. 

• Take Care of Fluid Leaks Early 

If you’ve ever looked at the pavement in shopping malls, there’s a good chance you’d have seen a lot of leaks and stains from everything including oil, wiper fluid and much more. 

With this in mind, you should always work to make sure your own vehicle’s fluids and components are kept in check on a routine basis. 

You don’t want to wait until something unsavoury happens before you have your car serviced or repaired, and so we suggest having a good look over your brake fluid, coolants and any oil leaks you might be concerned about as soon as you notice them. 

The longer you wait, the more expensive repairs are going to be, given that these types of leaks can be a sign of vehicle components causing damage to the rest of your vehicle. That said, find the source of the leaks! 

• Be Aware of Vehicle Changes 

One big tip from us is to make sure you’re always keeping an eye on small and minute changes in your vehicle’s operation. Things like fuel consumption are going to play a big role here, and if you’re spotting your car burning a little more fuel than normal, then you’re looking at a repair that might be a little too costly down the line. 

Things such as braking speed and other aspects of driving your vehicle are going to be top consideration here too given that things like brake fluid and even your brake pads could be showing signs of wear, and this can be costly down the track too. 

One final thing to keep in mind is also checking tyre pressure and how your car feels to drive. If things begin to feel a little sluggish, you’re going to want to take note and have the tyres looked over in the future given that these issues can cause rubbing and other issues with your vehicle, including suspension problems and more. 

• Loss of Engine Power 

When it comes to the cost of repairs, there are very few components that are more expensive than the engine to replace and this means that you’re always going to want to be on the lookout for any changes in power or loss of torque or acceleration power. 

Being aware of these sorts of issues as soon as possible is exceedingly important given that you’re going to want to make sure that you’re spotting signs of engine failure as early on as possible. Sitting on the freeway with a blown engine is certainly going to make you pay through the roof for a repair, replacement or a towing service, and so be aware and switched on when it comes to your car’s engine issues. 

The Takeaway 

With all of those points above in mind, it is clear to see that keeping a close eye on your vehicle is the way to go when it comes to getting the best price for repairs and replacements. 

The longer you leave certain issues, the more these issues are going to cost you when it’s time to see a mechanic. 

Added to this, it is always good to see as many mechanics as possible and have quotes provided by multiple suppliers.