Keeping Your Cost Down On Major Auto Repairs

Car repairs seem to cost more and more as the days go by. The sophisticated design and features of cars, such as multiple airbags and backup video cameras on taillights, makes the car more expensive to repair. A xenon headlight can cost up to $3,000 per pair. It stands to reason, then, that the more expensive your car is, the higher the cost for your car's repair. Another influence in the increasing cost of repairs is that dealers assemble the parts by sections. So, instead of replacing just one part, you will need to replace the entire section. Furthermore, computerized vehicles complicate what used to be a simple job.

Another reason is the labor cost, which seems to rise significantly - almost double compared to a decade ago in some areas of the U.S. Dealers may charge $75 to $95 for service per hour while individual garages with licensed and certified mechanics can charge $40 to $50 for service per hour. Make sure to ask for an estimate first, and ensure that their service is the same quality as the dealer's service.

The cost of the repair varies. A normal service, such as repairing an alternator or oil pump, varies significantly based on the age and make of the car. Another factor is the place where you have the car fixed.

Some websites of specific car models provide the cost of the repairs on their website. The website Auto Warranty Group gives an estimated cost of repair on the webpage. Below are some tips on how you may prevent or reduce repair costs.

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  Read your car's manual. Make sure you follow the right maintenance for your car to keep it in good running condition, and the warranty still intact. Your car's manual will give you information such as the type of oil required for your car and the weight that your car can handle or tow.


• Regularly change your oil. Change your oil frequently every 3000 to 5000 miles or more often if you drive a lot in the city or dirty environment and more often if you typically carry or tow heavy load.


• Have your car serviced at the appointed time. Do not ignore minor problems in your car, as this can lead to major repairs, which are costly.


• Ask for a flatbed tow truck so your car's damage will not worsen. Immediately inspect your car for any damage once it arrives to the shop to ensure that there is no damage. Ask for a diagnostic check and ask for an estimate in writing. If the damage is big, set a charge limit to the mechanic so he will not exceed to a certain amount and he should ask for your approval first before doing anything on your car. Get a second opinion if your car needs a costly repair; just make sure that you don't need to tow the truck to another shop.


• Check the service receipt before paying. Carefully examine the receipt or job order before paying the service. You may ask the mechanic to show you the parts that were replaced. You may ask for an explanation if the bill exceeded the estimated cost without your approval. If argument arises, ask for the shop's management and the person to call for help in solving the problem.

The best way to prevent major and expensive car repairs is to always be on the lookout for possible problems in your car and do not ignore any sign of problem - major or not. Go to a mechanic as soon as possible or check your car if you feel that something is wrong when you drive. Look for the list of possible signs and minor problems on the internet or check online about the problem that your car is showing. The lists of possible signs are listed in a website. Go to the Federal Trade Commission webpage and study the details. With the continuous rise of most car repairs, it is practical to always check your car to prevent unnecessary repairs and at the same time keep you safe from accidents.