Tips For Saving Money On Car Maintenance And Repairs

One of the unfortunate aspects of owning your own car is that it will need constant maintenance and repairs. Since automotive repairs can be a serious hit on your family's budget, you will be pleased to know that there are many things you can do to save a significant amount of money on repair bills over the life of your vehicle. To this end, here are some money-saving tips:

Tip: Learn to Perform Basic Maintenance and Repairs Yourself at Home

If you are mechanically inclined or able to make simple repairs around your home, then you are perfectly capable of performing basic maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. By learning how to change your car's oil, windshield wipers, and serpentine belts yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars each year. You can learn to do such things by watching instructional videos online or by asking a friend to show you how.

Tip: Utilize Used Parts from a Salvage Yard when Appropriate

Sometimes it is appropriate for you to purchase new parts when you make a repair on your car. For example, if you need a new headlight or electrical part, then you should always purchase them new. However, sometimes you can save a ton of cash by purchasing used parts from your local salvage yard. For example, if the seat in your car is broken or you need a specialty piece of trim, then you can often find what you need at a salvage yard like A & B Truck Recycling for a lot less money than buying new.

Tip: Buy an Inexpensive Automotive Code Reader

The only way for you to know what repair code your car's computer is generating is to use a code reader. You can save yourself a lot of money and visits to your local mechanic's shop by purchasing an inexpensive code reader. Next time your car's "check engine" or "service" light come on, then all you have to do is plug the code reader into your car's service port. Once you have the code, then you can plug that into your favorite search engine online and search for the solution to fix the problem.

Tip: Get Multiple Written Estimates for Major Repairs

Finally, it is vital that you always get multiple written estimates for all major car repairs. Armed with written estimates, you can ensure that you get the best price for all of the work you need to have done. Use the written estimates to your advantage when negotiating the best price for getting auto repairs completed.

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