Looking to Save Money on Your Auto Repair Bill?

Each year, consumers lose billions of dollars on unneeded or poorly done auto repairs. The most important thing you can do to save money on car repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic.

You need to do that ahead of time, before you have a problem that leaves you stranded and vulnerable.

Do your homework before you actually need any car repair…

• Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components

• Follow the recommended service schedules

• Maintain a file and log of all your auto repair and service

Look for a mechanic who:

• Is well established, certified and has a good reputation - check with your local consumer organization

• Is recommended by someone you know

• Clearly communicates with you about auto repair options and costs

• Check to see if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some places specialize

• Inquire whether the mechanic usually does your type of auto repair, especially if you need major work.

• Consider your options in advance for transportation so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based on location alone.

Things to Look For At the Auto Repair Shop…

• Look for a neat, well-organized facility

• Is there modern equipment in the service bays?

• Are there other cars in the parking lot equal in value to your own?

• Is the staff helpful and courteous?

• Do they answer all your car repair questions fully and to your satisfaction?

• Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as certificates of advanced course work, trade school diplomas, and ASE certifications

• Look for signs of customer service professionalism such as civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status and customer service awards.

Once you choose a car repair shop, test them by initially hiring them for a minor repair.

If you are satisfied, then you will have more confidence trusting them with a bigger job later.

Detecting Problems With Your Car

You will save money on auto repair if you take you car in for inspection or repair early, when you initially detect a problem, before it gets worse. (This is also true of problems with your home.) Problems just don’t vanish or fix themselves.

Remember, no one knows your car as well as you. You have more experience driving it than anyone else, so you are the best judge of when something isn’t normal.

Be alert for unusual sounds or feel. You car often gives you warning signals that something is going wrong- pay attention and don’t ignore them.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car regularly. Check for:

• Any abnormal odors, sounds, leaks, drips, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings

• Worn tires, hoses and belts

• Changes in engine performance, acceleration, fluid levels or gas mileage

• Any problems in steering, braking, handling, or vibrations

Make a habit of walking around your car and looking at things whenever you stop for gas.

In the log that you keep, take note of things that you need to keep an eye on.

For example, if you are in this habit, you will notice things like your tires becoming worn.

That way you can look for sales on tires and take advantage of the sale prices rather waiting until you are stuck sometime with a flat and have to buy whatever is available at the full price.

Good communications between customer and auto repair shop is very important. The more you know about you car and the problems, the better off you will be.

Here are some things to observe and document before you bring the car in to the shop:

• Is the problem intermittent or constant?

• When does the problem occur? Does it occur only when your car is cold or after the engine has warmed up?

• What are the other factors of when the problem occurs?

  • At all speeds?

  • Only under acceleration?

  • During braking?

  • When shifting?

• When did the problem first start?

Be prepared to describe the symptoms in full detail.

The better you can communicate the problem the more likely it will be properly diagnosed and repaired.

Remember that in larger shops, you will not be talking directly to the mechanic. Rather, there is likely a service writer or service manager.

Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. This is just as with your physician, you should let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

If the mechanic says something that you do not understand, don’t pretend that you know what he is talking about. This is especially prevalent with men who feel embarrassed that they don’t know something about their car.

Put the ego aside- you are the one paying for the repair so make sure you fully understand everything. If you don’t fully understand anything, ask questions. Don’t hesitate to request lay definitions.

Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis or estimate.

Ask them to call you after they find the problem and before they start the work to give you a full explanation of the problem and estimate for repairs.

Also, before you commit to any work, make sure that you understand all shop policies concerning rates, methods of payment and guarantees. Also, make sure the guarantees are in writing.

Afterwards…

If there was a problem or service was not all you expected, communicate it. Talk to the service manager or owner and give them a chance to resolve it.

Reputable auto repair shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business and earn your recommendations to others.

At Financial Freedom Trail, we are committed to helping you in all areas of personal finance.

Please visit our home page to see how we can help you save money, make more money, and most importantly of all, manage your money wisely.

Return from Auto Repair to Money Savings Directory

Financial Freedom Trail Home