Mike Ganjei (AAMCO Dealers Association) recently stated (based on the AAMCO study findings) that “consumers clearly prefer maintaining and repairing their cars rather than buying new ones” (Reuters). Making necessary adjustments to existing automobiles makes a lot of sense during these dire times. Canadian consumers are following suit by bringing cars to repair centers rather than purchasing new ones.

Garages have seen a rise in business over the past few months due to this car repair phenomenon. In fact, the car repair business might be one of the few businesses that are “recession proof.” For most consumers, repairing an existing vehicle is a much better option (and much less of a monetary commitment) than purchasing a new one. The problem is that not all consumers can afford to repair their cars due to a lack of cash flow.

Add this cash flow problem to the fact that most people need their cars to get to and from work (or to look for new work), and the entire situation looks rather grim. The good news (as some consumers are now finding out) is that there’s a new kind of loan on the market that provides a bit of wiggle-room when it comes to car repairs. Some private lenders are issuing “car repair loans” that prove to be lifesaving in this economy.

Car repair loans do not require a spotless credit history, though they do often require car ownership. Those that can qualify for these loans are joining the ranks of those that have found car repairs to be a much wiser solution to an aging automobile problem. While “buying a new car is a major investment and perhaps not an option at this time for some consumers because of the troubled economy and uncertainty in the job market…” (Reuters), repairing one’s car is an all-around better option. Thanks to unique car repair loans, all consumers (no matter what their job situation might be) have a viable transportation option.

1. Your car is less than ten years old
Cars newer than ten years old usually have quite advanced systems integration. Even car repairs like changing a battery or a fuse, replacing brake pads and doing common car service tasks can actually cause other components of the system to fail if the correct procedures aren’t followed.

2. The car repair you’re considering isn’t in your new car handbook
If the manufacturer isn’t telling you to do it yourself, it is probably safest not to. If you’re in doubt, why not call a mobile mechanic to have a look at the job first? They’ll be able to advise you on safety points to remember, if its likely that you’ll need to make the fix again in the future. You can make sure that you won’t have to spend more having the mechanic fix your work as well as the original problem, and possibly save money in the future.

3. The repair requires something to be lifted out of the car
Block and tackle safety is a serious issue. Any time you lift something heavy out of your car into the air, you’re risking the other parts of your car as well as your own body. We always advise that you have professionals perform this sort of work.

4. The car repair requires tools you don’t have
Contrary to Clint Eastwood’s belief, not every car repair job can be done with a shifter and sticky tape. If you don’t have the tools to do a repair job yourself, the cost in buying them often outweighs the savings you could make on labour.  

5. Your car has electronic fuel injection
If your car has electronic fuel injection (and in many cases, this is stamped in big letters right on the head, or along with the model name somewhere on the body), it is not safe to work on it by yourself. Even repairs that aren’t related to the timing could throw the computer out, and then cost you more to fix at the mechanic’s than it would have originally.

6. You aren’t 100% confident of your diagnosis
If you have even the shadow of a doubt about what exactly is causing a specific problem, you shouldn’t work on it. Even experienced mechanics have often found that the complexities of the petrol engine and drive train have tricked them … when they were 100% confident. If as an amateur you aren’t confident, it makes much more sense to take it to someone that can be.
Mobile mechanics will often provide fixed quote prices – so even if they make one of these mistakes, they are still bound to honour the price they gave you before beginning work.

7. You haven’t done the repair yourself before
Online forums and guides are certainly handy, but there is a reason that automotive mechanic apprenticeships last for a long four years! A wealth of hands-on experience in what to do when things go slightly wrong, if a bolt is too tight or another part is blocking your way, and the order in which to complete tasks, belongs to qualified mechanics. There simply isn’t enough space on the net to explain all this is a forum.

8. The time it will take you to perform the repair is more valuable to you spent doing other things
It may take a qualified car repair-person 1 hour to replace your brake pads and check over the braking system. It might take you 3 hours without the proper tools, knowledge of sensors etc. Sure, you didn’t pay for those hours – but unless you truly enjoy working on and learning about cars, you are prepared to deal with any mistakes you might make and are performing only repairs that are non safety-critical on an old car – in most cases they aren’t worth it.

Body Work (6 to 12 inch wide dent)
Brake replacement
Paint Job
Suspension replacement
tire change
tire maintenance (alignment/rotation)
Tune up
Windshield replacement

Your car’s life doesn’t always involve smooth rides; humps and bumps are but natural occurrences along the way. Car problems or maybe even car accidents are sometimes inevitable, and these will require minor or major car repairs. Therefore, it pays to be familiar with the cost of car repairs today so that you won’t have to spend more than the appropriate amount.

Being Involved

When going for a car repair, there are a few things you must remember to ensure that you are on top of the situation and not simply on the mercy of your mechanic.

1.) Know the specific defect of your car. Do some research and ask other drivers. If you’re not so definite, you can further inquire from an auto mechanic to confirm your suspected trouble.

2.) Compare the prices of at least three repair shops to find the cheapest. This will entail effort, but it’s worth the savings.

3.) When you’ve finally chosen a shop, ask for the details of the repair and ask for a cost estimate. Be aware that some shops already charge fees just for simple diagnostic and estimate of cost. So, you have to search for auto repair centers that offer these services for free or you can ask friends or relatives for reference.

4.) You can also surf the internet to look for software that offers a standard estimate for various car repair works. However, know that these are only guides—the remedy and the cost may still vary according to the model or brand of your vehicle.

Cost control is imperative, especially if you’re dealing with a major repair or if the cost is significantly large. This is especially true if many of your car’s parts happen to be assembled not individually but by one whole unit—instead of replacing only the defective part, the whole section of your car will have to be replaced when a damage occurs.

Cost Reduction

To save on the cost of car repairs, you can opt to do some vehicle tinkering on your own. For simple or standard repairs such as replacing an oil pump or alternator or changing oil, you can study how to do it yourself by referring to free online demos or by asking those who are familiar with the process to show you the step-by-step procedures. Your owner’s manual will also be a great help when doing repairs or maintenance on your own.

You must also be proactive by regularly following the maintenance routines required by your car as indicated in the owner’s manual. And if you sense, smell, or hear anything unusual or defective while driving, attend to it promptly to avoid a bigger problem.

Lastly, you can also assess whether it would be practical to purchase an extended warranty for your car.

Reducing the cost of car repairs and maintenance is possible. Just follow the above-mentioned tips and you will surely be saved not only from car repair and maintenance costs but as well as from stress. With all these, you can add miles to a more peaceful ride and enjoy your vehicle more.