Most people are not prepared for car repairs, and car repair companies know that. They offer credit cards to help you pay, but not going into debt is a better financial move. While maintenance and repair can add up, you can’t wait and push things off until later. You need to keep up with your vehicle to prevent even more expensive repairs or unexpected failures.
How to Budget for the Future
When your vehicle isn’t under warranty, you’re responsible for the costs, including oil changes and tire replacements. The owner’s manual tells you when to get work done for your car, so you can easily check what needs to be done in the future to keep your vehicle working well. You may also consider getting an extended warranty before you need repairs, so researching options can be helpful there, too.
Various factors affect maintenance and service needs, including the conditions your car is regularly exposed to and the make and model of your vehicle. Oil changes are a frequent task needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly, and you need to keep money on hand for this simple maintenance job. Knowing how much is needed depends on your car, so once you get it done, you know how much to budget per job.
According to AAA, unexpected repairs tend to run somewhere around $500, and most people don’t have that money available. If you can save at least $50 every month to go toward a car fund, you can save at least $600 every year. Repairs don’t happen yearly, but you should still set aside that much, so when the time comes, you’ll have the cash on hand to prevent yourself from going into debt.
How to Save Money on Repairs
It’s common to feel like you can’t trust a mechanic, so do some research and get to know what to expect. If you don’t have a mechanic you can turn to, consider looking for ASE-certified mechanics. If they are, that means they are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which should provide you with a sense of confidence in selecting that mechanic. It’s worth saying that if you have an extended warranty, you want to make sure it’s applicable at any ASE-certified mechanic, so you don’t have to worry about where to go when something happens.
Call around for quotes for specific services, too, to get a feel for what you can expect to pay for car maintenance issues. You might even be able to snag a lower price at a trusted location if you present a competitor’s offer for the same service. Many also have coupons to help you get discounted prices, so check out their website and local publications to find hidden deals.
In some cases, you might even be able to do some of the work on your own. Some car maintenance is easy for the average person to do, and thanks to YouTube, you can find tutorials for almost everything. At the same time, don’t bite off more than you can chew, and be sure to take your car to the mechanic if it’s a more challenging job.
Other Preparations for Car Repairs
Before taking in your car to get repairs or maintenance done, always clean it out. When the trash isn’t cleaned out, mechanics can have a hard time doing their job. Keeping your car clean is a good idea anyway because it’s easier for a mechanic in short-notice situations.
Think about having questions ready to ask your mechanic ahead of time. When repairs are scheduled, always request an explanation of what you should expect. By doing so, you won’t be surprised by the costs once the work has been completed.
Part of the responsibility also lies on you as the consumer. Always make sure you get an estimate before approving repairs. Having one will let you know what to expect, and it also gives you a sense of what to ask questions about. You may be able to stagger repairs, too, if you know what needs to be done.
Preparing for Issues on the Road
No one expects to have a flat on the road while driving at high speeds, but it happens. Having what you need to handle a situation like that will make associated repairs easier to handle. Pack some safety items to help you in a roadside situation.
For example, you may want to bring warning triangles to place around your car if you experience a breakdown. You may also want to have some extra flashlights in case you experience issues at night. Have simple supplies that are necessary for easy repairs that you may face on the road.
Always check on your spare tire to make sure it’s in good shape because you never know when you’ll need it. Additionally, you’ll want to have some jumper cables just in case you need them. Having a tire repair kit and a handheld air pump is also helpful in case of a flat if it isn’t severe. Together, they’re enough to patch you up to get you to a tire repair place.
A Few Last Words on Preparing for Car Repairs
Preparing for car repairs has to do with budgeting properly, but it doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Put away money every month to save for future maintenance, and when the time comes, search for ways to save with coupons and discounts. Don’t forget to clean out your car when you do take it in for repairs, and in case anything happens while you’re on the road, always be prepared to handle what may come.
