ClearQuote : 5 Quick and Easy Ways to Save Money on Car Repairs

1. Use Local Shops Instead of National Chains

Everyone probably has a shop that they frequent, usually because it is convenient for them or because they like the mechanic.  Most people tend to use national chains, like Jiffy Lube, Meineke, Midas, Discount Tire, and Pep Boys, when it comes to the small mechanical jobs and services.  While these places might be ok, they tend to not provide the level of service that many local shops will provide.  I am a big advocate for local mechanic shops because I believe in small business and entrepreneurship.  Local shops tend to provide a better service, get the job done right the first time, and are competitive on price.  Along with these factors, most local shops will continue to take care of you in the future.  They begin to know your vehicle, and can provide preventative care before large issues occur.

One of the best reasons to use a local shop is because you will be supporting a local business.  Your money is cycled back into your community and you are creating jobs.  You also have better control over how your money is spent.  Local Shops listen to their customers better than any national chain, so you will only spend on services that your vehicle need.

2. Educate Yourself Before You Take Your Car To The Shop

This tip is the most important one that will save you money every time you go to any mechanic.  When you take a little bit of time to educate yourself about how your car works and what might be causing your issue, then you have the power.  Mechanics love people that come in and have no idea to what is going on and cannot describe their problem.  When this occurs, they can charge you a higher price in order to “diagnose” the problem.  You can end up getting charged upwards of $100 per hour in order to have your problem diagnosed.  This price does not even include the work that will need to be done and the time it will take to do it.

3. Do NOT Pay for High-Mileage Oil

This is another tip based on changing your vehicles oil.  This is the most common expense that people incur, and they can be expensive depending on where you get your oil changed.  Many oil change shops will tell you that you NEED high-mileage oil in your car if you have over 100,000 miles on your odometer.  This is simply not true.  High-mileage oil is not really superior to conventional oil, but it costs a lot more.  It might only be a good idea if you’re leaking or burning oil. In oil change shops around my area, you can get a regular oil change for about $39.99, but if you get high-mileage oil, it will cost you $54.99.  This is just an unnecessary expense that will not benefit you.  If a shop says that they are required to put in high-mileage oil into your vehicle, tell them you want conventional, or just walk out.  This is just a profit driven recommendation.

4. Shop Around for Prices

This tip can be applied to anything you purchase, but it is rarely exercised when dealing with car repairs.  If you have the ability to take your vehicle to different shops, then do it.  It won’t hurt anything, and it is always a good practice to shop around.  Most cities and towns have a few car repair shops.  Some are better than others, but if you are looking to save money, you need to shop around.  There are many local shops that will price match their competitors, along with others that will beat their prices.  If you don’t shop around, then you are potentially losing money.

5. Let ClearQuote handle it

When you get a ClearQuote, you get an experienced specialist explaining your repair options to you. We don't perform repairs so we have no reason to upsell. Think of us like your Vehicles Personal Doctor. We diagnose and evaluate your vehicles repairs and help you make the most Cost-Efficient and Clear decision. We're just here to save you money and time!