When you have an unexpected automobile repair, you hope you have the extra money in your budget to to get the work done.
However, some repairs can blindside you with costs upwards of hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Rather than charging the amount to your credit card and paying interest, let’s look at five best ways to save money on car repairs in Texas.
Research Ahead of Time
Before you take your vehicle in for an appointment, spend a little time doing your research. There are plenty of online resources and vehicle manuals that can tell you where that noise from your brakes or squeak on your steering wheel is coming from, and estimate how much repairs could be.
When you speak with a mechanic, you’ll have the information to help you determine if you’re being overcharged for services that aren’t needed.
Get a Second Opinion
If you’re not confident in the first estimate you received, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion. You can compare both estimates to see if the same conclusion was reached and who is charging less for parts and labor.
If you don’t have time to tow your vehicle from shop to shop, try calling a few different places to see if they can quote the same repairs over the phone for you. The cost might be a rough estimate, but you’ll get an idea if a certain place is reputable or not.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
It’s really important that you follow the maintenance schedule that is recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Those recommendations have been outlined for a reason; so that you can prevent problems from occurring.
From oil changes to changing your transmission fluid, you can work with a trusted auto repair shop to keep up with all the necessary tasks and save yourself some money on repairs in the long term.
Watch Your Driving Habits
A lot of drivers have bad habits that can negatively affect their vehicles. Make sure you’re not riding the brake when driving, as this can prematurely wear down your brake pads and rotors. If you don’t reduce your speed around tight turns or when passing over potholes, expect damage to your suspension and wheels. The worst habit is switching between reverse and drive without completely braking first. This leads to transmission issues pretty quickly.
We have so many poor driving habits that can lead to premature repairs and replacements. Some of the best advice we can give on the topic is to be mindful of your driving actions, maintain posted speed limits, and keep up with regular maintenance schedules.
Find Recommendations and Opinions
Ask around to see what auto repair shops your friends and family like to use. This is a great way to find out where the good places are, but you can also find out valuable information about who to avoid. You can also look online to see if there are reviews listed for a location that you’re considering using.
Need Repairs on Your Vehicle? Kwik Kar Helps You Save
At Kwik Kar Automotive Lube & Service Center, we encourage routine auto maintenance in Texas in order to prevent major repairs from needing to be done. When the time does come that you need to have work done, reach out to one of our locations for assistance.
Not only can we provide you with access to some of the most experienced technicians, but our services are affordable. Be sure to check out our coupons and special offers before you call.
Make an appointment today or drive up. We always welcome impromptu visits!
