Owning a car has the burden of ongoing maintenance with its associated costs. Even though car maintenance and repairs may sound like a hassle, it should be a routine task for all car owners.
If you own a car, you will be familiar with the unforeseen problems that arise as a result of a lack of maintenance. These problems are not only an inconvenience but they tend to be expensive as well. Be it a minor dent or the damage from a major car accident, or a failed starter motor or alternator, the requirement for ongoing maintenance and repairs with their associated costs are familiar territory to most car owners.
The good news is, that if you are a smart, you can save some money on your car maintenance and repairs. Let's take a quick look at some of the effective ways to achieve savings.
Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
If you are not careful, you may find yourself getting charged for services your car did not need in the first place. As distressing as that may sound, it is more common than you would expect and it can be a huge waste of your money. Therefore, it is important to find a competent and an honest mechanic that you can trust with your car.
You may also need to look for a good auto repair shop. One way to identify the competence of the shop would be to check its quality assurance certification. Additionally, the training of its tradesmen working within the facility is a clear indicator of the level of expertise available. You should also check the work area of the shop and make sure the housekeeping is adequate and that the facilities are up to scratch. A clean workspace, quality products, a clean floor and so on are sure signs of a quality business.
To find a competent and trustworthy mechanic or a good auto repair shop, you first of ask your friends and family for recommendations. You can also research online and read customer reviews to become more aware of good customer experiences and the likely costs for repairs. You should be able to eliminate any businesses that are providing a poor level of service or that are overly expensive.
Read the Service Manual
Your car owner’s handbook and service manual have more information than you probably realise. You will no- doubt find a number of tasks that you can do yourself. Some of these may include, checking whether the brakes are in good condition, rotating the tyres, identifying leaks, filling up the fluids and so on. These tasks do not necessarily require a mechanic and completing them will ensure that your car doesn't break down without prior warning.
Most of the information you will need on how to accomplish basic maintenance tasks will be covered by the owner's manual or service book for the vehicle. The service book will also tell you how frequently your car needs maintenance to be performed. Following some of the simple steps detailed within the owner’s manual can save money and help you avoid the unnecessary costs associated with poor vehicle reliability.
Do-It-Yourself Measures
Did you know that you are likely to be able to complete a number of car maintenance tasks yourself? Some of the basic tasks include replacing the air filter, charging the battery, replacing brake lights, wiper blades etc……
You can buy a few tools and learn how to accomplish simple tasks on your own. This will save you money. Also, you can do this in your own time and not have to wait needlessly for hours for the mechanic to carryout the work. You will also be better prepared to deal with unforeseen vehicle break downs.
Undertake Preventative Measures
Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your car in a properly maintained condition in order to keep it reliable. Some of these preventative measures include keeping your car's tyres inflated to the right pressure, ensuring fluid levels are maintained correctly, getting the car serviced periodically, cleaning the car bodywork, the mirrors, private number plate, tyres etc……
These measures will ensure that your car does not require overly frequent repairs.
Buy Used Car Parts
Availing used car parts can save you the expense of repairs. There are a host of websites that sell used car parts and provide a good deal with warranties. You may also find used parts in salvage yards that are as good as new.
When buying used parts, ensure to check the quality of the parts and inspect them thoroughly for faults prior to using them. Look for any discounts that may be available online.
Some of the most successful steps you can take to save on repair costs include ensuring you drive your car carefully and to always be aware of its maintenance needs. Additionally, you need to always check for warning signs such as noisy brakes, engine overheating, poorly functioning lights, fluid leakages and so on. This way, minor problems will not manifest themselves as major problems with an associated increased cost of repair.
