Maintaining your car is get more expensive and finding a great deal is even harder. I've been learning about cars since 2005 and its now a hobby of mine. I learned that there are many ways to save on cars if you know where to look. These are some great ways to save you auto expenses:
Lower Your Auto Expenses
- Use coupons
- Use regular gas if possible
- Change your own oil
- Keep your tires inflated properly to get better gas mileage
- Get regular maintenance
- Carpool
- Drive small economical cars
- Use public transportation
- Shop around for car insurance
1. Do it yourself. Everybody dreads this term when it comes to cars but I personally think that it is the best way to lower your auto expenses. If you can change your own oil and tire try switching your own alternator. Usually its in the front of the car in arms reach. Pull up the repair manual online or go on You Tube for a video on how to do the repair yourself. Remember we build an engine in my dining room and its going strong so you should be able to fix your car if you put your mind to it. Read my post here on DIY Repairs.
2. Ask a family member or friend. Utilize your friends and family that are mechanics(preferably certified). They can save you lots of money. Most mechanics can get discounts on parts at local auto parts store just for being a mechanic. Let them make the purchase for you and ask if they can put it on. Lots of mechanics look for side jobs to make extra cash. They will charge you less than it will cost you at the actual shop. We've changed a clutch for a very good friend of ours for $100 and they start at $400-$500.
3. Talk Down The Price. Don't under estimate the power of negotiation. If the price is to high but you really need the work done ask for a discount. Some shop managers will discount the parts/services. I've see discounts as high as $500 off. If you can talk down you cable/phone bill, I'm sure you can with your car.
4. Use Parts Recyclers. If you have a major repair like a blown head and the price to fix it is high than the car itself think about using a parts recycler. You can find parts dirty cheap that are of wrecked vehicles for better prices. You can find almost every part you need for you car including consoles. Read about my post her on Auto Recyclers.
5. Shop Around. We all know that you can save more by shopping multiple store and this definitely applies to automobiles. Try to get a quote from at least 3 different shops. Prices can range from a $100-$900 difference depending on the job. Make sure to take in account the reputation of the shop you choose.
Remember to check if the shop or mechanic you choose is ASE Certified. Also don't fix any unnecessary additional repairs. If they tell you that their is something wrong with the car and its not going to affect your cars performance just say no.
Always Remember:
- Do it yourself(if you can)
- Go to a parts recycler
- Talk down the price
- Use Coupons
1 comment:
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