How Much Does It Cost To Repair Your Vehicle?
The cost of auto repairs doesn’t seem to decrease. Just look up “how much is a catalytic converter” on Google, and you’ll see that it can cost anywhere from hundreds to close to thousands of dollars. That is a hefty price to put on your finances, and several other things can happen to your vehicle that can cost a lot.
The best thing to do is to know how much it will cost you so you can prepare. Keep reading to find out more.
What’s The Average Cost To Fix Your Car?
The average cost to fix a car nowadays is $1,474.50 a year, assuming you drive about 15,000 miles. That number comes from the American Automobile Association (AAA), which reminds car owners that repairs can be costly and that prices have climbed since previous years. But remember, that’s just the average price of a car with a lot of miles.
That means car owners can pay even more – or less – depending on different factors, including the make of their car, the model, and the year. Car ownership is essential for many people, especially in locations where public transportation isn’t ideal. If that sounds like you, keep reading to understand why these prices keep rising and what you can do to manage them.
Why Are Car Repairs Getting More Expensive?
Car repairs have certainly risen over the past few years, but it’s difficult to understand why. Firstly, cars tend to have more complex parts that cost more to repair and replace. The latest hybrid and electric vehicles are perfect examples of this, as their maintenance and repairs require more specialized skills than those of older vehicles.
In some areas, car repair prices are also caused by shortages in skilled mechanics who can work on some vehicle models, including the parts and supplies they need to get the job done. With so many causes making car repairs more expensive, car owners like you must combine different approaches to minimize the costs you pay.
How Do You Minimize Car Repair Costs?
Since car repairs can cost quite a bit of money, it is important you know the things you can do to try to minimize your chances of needing car repairs. Remember, it is always better to get car maintenance done regularly than to get your car repaired.
When you maintain your car or take steps to avoid a pricey car repair, it makes the life of your car longer – thus saving you from paying for an expensive car repair. Here are five easy ways you can start to minimize your car repair costs:
1. Regular Maintenance And Servicing
The popular saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, and that’s certainly true when it comes to car problems. That’s why the most important thing you can do to minimize car repair costs is to keep up with the vehicle’s regular maintenance and servicing. Doing so keeps your car in tip-top shape and helps you identify minor issues before they have a chance to worsen.
2. Fix Problems While They’re Small
When you encounter a minor issue with your car, it’s best to resolve it immediately. Car problems tend to worsen if left unattended. Fixing them quickly will prevent more significant – and more expensive – problems later. Although you might be reluctant to spend money on minor auto repairs, just remember that the $100 you spend today could help you avoid spending $1,000 later.
3. Do It Yourself
Ask yourself, “Can this repair be done myself?” If so, it might be worth learning how to do it yourself. Oil changes, brake pad replacements, and other minor tasks can be significantly cheaper if you don’t have to pay a mechanic to do it for you. And learning how to do these things can be easy when you use sites like YouTube because you can find step by step videos of how to do things.
4. Shop Around
A big part of car repair costs is labor, and that can differ between workshops and among mechanics. This means that one place may charge you $200 while another place may charge you $1,000. It is important for you to know all of your options so you can make the best decision. So, shop around and compare prices to get the best deals! Make sure that the place offering the reduced price will still do a good and reliable job.
5. Buy Used Or Aftermarket Parts
Buying brand-new, brand-name parts for your car doesn’t have to be your first choice! Instead, you can enjoy significant savings by purchasing used parts that still work or shopping for new parts from aftermarket brands. For example, ask your local used parts supplier how much is a catalytic converter and you’ll be surprised at how cheap it is compared to a brand-new part from the car’s manufacturer!
I Need Cash For Urgent Car Repairs. What Do I Do?
Suppose you need to fund urgent repairs to keep driving your car. If you don’t have enough money, one option worth considering is getting a title loan from us at Cash Cow. That car title loan can get you anything between $300 and $1,400 by using your lien-free car title as collateral. Besides the title, you’ll only need your driver’s license to get started, plus a quick physical inspection of your vehicle for us to determine how much money we can lend to you if you are approved.
Title loans are quick and easy to get, but here’s one of the significant advantages: you get to keep your car even if you’re approved. That means you could get the money you need and drive right to the workshop to get those repairs started immediately! Plus, you don’t have to come to one of our nearest store locations to complete the process because we can come to you! Go to our website now to learn more about our car title loans.
Begin Repairing Your Vehicle Right Now
While auto repairs can be an expensive hit for your finances, there are things you can do to minimize – or even avoid – these expenses. It is important you remember these things because they can end up saving you a lot of money by extending the life of your car. And if your car does end up needing an urgent repair, remember you can get a title loan from Cash Cow to help you out. If you are ready, go to our website and fill out the online form now to begin the process.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.