The short answer is … sometimes, you DON’T know. But, by asking some questions and doing a little research, you can certainly find out.
Tips for getting the best price on auto repairs
There’s no question that vehicle maintenance and repairs can be expensive. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and ask the right questions. Here are some great tips to follow:
- Avoid surprise auto repairs when possible.
Often, the most expensive auto repairs are the ones that catch you by surprise and become an emergency. You know, when you get stuck beside the road because something breaks and you just can’t drive your vehicle any further. In addition to a potentially large repair bill, you’re also hit with a towing bill to get your vehicle to the repair shop. Or, you only have one vehicle and need it repaired ASAP.
But, how do you prevent surprise repairs? The truth is, they can’t always be prevented. However, if you pay attention to how your vehicle looks and sounds, you may be able to detect small problems before they become big ones. Solving the problem before your car breaks down means no tow truck bill. And, you can choose which auto repair shop you use instead of having to settle for one that’s simply nearby.
- Practice preventative maintenance.
There are some vehicle parts that are meant to be maintained and/or replaced on a regular basis, even if they’re not broken. This is part of a regular or preventative maintenance schedule. When your vehicle is in the shop, your mechanic may notice something that is starting to wear or hear a sound that you never noticed. These can be clues that further investigation and/or repair may be warranted. By taking heed to these warnings, you can plan for upcoming repairs.
How does this help you get the best price? Well, you can budget for repairs if you know about them … and that means that you can potentially pay cash and not have to finance the repairs or put them on a credit card with high interest rates. Also, it means you have the chance to …
- Shop around for the best price.
Here, we’re not just talking about the cheapest price. Rather, we mean the best price for the quality of work being performed. Unfortunately, there are auto repair shops and mechanics out there that will cut corners and use inferior parts just to save money and increase profit. Do your research and make sure that the shop you use for your auto repairs has certified technicians and uses original parts.
- Research average repair prices.
If your vehicle is still able to be driven, or if it’s at least parked at home, time is on your side. Use it wisely. This is your chance to talk to several auto repair shops to get a feeling for the average price you can expect to pay for the repairs your vehicle needs. You can also use online resources to find out the same information. Just be careful that you thoroughly vet the source before taking their word as gold.
Honest auto repairs at a fair price
At Good Works Auto Repair, we know how much you value your vehicle. That’s why we treat it as if it were our own. That means recommending only repairs that your vehicle needs, and providing service at an affordable price. We’re happy to help with all of your auto repair needs and look forward to your call!
