Want to spend less money on car repairs? By looking after your car, you may be able to prevent the need for many repairs. However, when it comes to unavoidable wear and tear, there are many other ways to cut costs. Here are just five ways to spend less on car repairs.
Shop around
Shopping around could be the most basic way of saving money on repairs. Once you have a clear idea of the problem, you should be able to ring around and get quotes over the phone. You may even be able to negotiate a price match. Be wary of repair centres that charge very low rates as they could be making up for a poor reputation – it’s best to read reviews on sites like ClickMechanic in order to find a repair service that is affordable and reliable.
Consider taking out repair cover
It’s possible to insure yourself against repairs and breakdown. Many sites offer warranties for several months. When choosing a warranty scheme, use comparison sites and read reviews such as these GWC Warranty reviews. Repair cover rates are likely to vary depend on the vehicle.
Buy your own parts
You may be able to save money by ordering your own parts. Mechanics may be able to source parts for you, but they’re likely to try and make a profit off these parts. By sourcing your own parts, you can buy them at their true value. There are lots of sites for buying cheap car parts such as CarParts4Less.
Test your DIY skills
There may be some car repair jobs that you can do yourself to save money. This is particularly likely to be the case with older vehicles. You’ll find free tutorials on YouTube and guides on blogs. You may also be able to buy a Haynes manual that will give you an in-depth look at all the major repair jobs associated with your particular model of vehicle, as well as telling you the difficulty of each one. Only attempt jobs that you feel comfortable doing and that you have the tools to do.
Know when to cut your losses
If your car is constantly having problems and you’re continuously paying to get it fixed, consider whether you’d be better off cutting your losses and buying a new car. You likely won’t get much for your current car, but you’ll save more in the long run. You may even be able to sell your current car for scrap – there are many companies that will buy your car for parts even if it doesn’t start. Just make sure your next car is something is reliable and not another money-guzzler.