You should not have to spend an arm and a leg to fix your car. While a trip to the mechanic may sound like a tiresome ordeal, there are ways you can go about this process while saving money in the process. Keep these pointers in mind the next time you start thinking, “I need new car parts near me right now.”
Do the simple fixes yourself
Changing out a cabin air filter, for example, can be done easily and cheaply without returning to the dealership: Buy at a major retailer instead of being charged more for the part and the labor to install it. Not sure what goes where? There’s a strong chance that your specific question — say, “how to install a cabin air filter” — will have plenty of search results on YouTube; in fact, there’s even a decent chance that your specific make and model will be featured in the step-by-step instructional video.
Stay Current With Maintenance
You can read through your owner’s manual to see how long each part should last. You also get valuable information about how often you need an oil change and tire realignment. By keeping your vehicle up-to-date with maintenance, you have a lower risk of having a problem with your car down the road.
Get a Second Opinion
You can look online to see what the standard price is for the job you want. If a mechanic gives you a price that is far above that, then do not be afraid to get a second opinion. You may find that mechanic was overcharging you maybe because you have a big SUV. There are bound to be several auto shops near you, so you can get as many quotes as you need.
Have the Mechanic Show You the Parts
You deserve to know everything the mechanic did to your car. You should have the professional keep all of the old parts in a box to hand to you. You can see the part in question was, in fact, broken. You can know for certain you needed these specific repairs. Asking for the broken parts also increases the chances the mechanic will not fix something that did not require fixing in the first place.
Whether you need new tires or a new portable jump box, you need to know precisely who to turn to without spending a fortune. The good news is that once you find a mechanic you trust, you know you are not spending more than you need to. You can also purchase auto parts from a reputable source and have your mechanic install them.
Try To Discover As Many Discounts As Possible
Finally, in order to avoid overpaying for the repairs that you may need, try to discover as many discounts as possible that you may be able to take advantage of. For example, if you are a member of a roadside assistance service, they will often have contracts with a network of mechanics and auto repair shops that will offer a discount to any of the service’s members. In addition, some insurance companies also have contracts with certain chains of repair shops or mechanics across the country that will let you get discounted auto repairs and maintenance done on your vehicle if you have a policy with one of those insurance companies.