How to Save on All General Automotive Repairs

In these times of financial crisis, you can still save on all general automotive repairs, whether minor repairs or major repairs. Here are a few tips from our mechanic on how to cut costs on your car repair.

First of all, check if your vehicle is still under warranty. If so, do not waste the benefits that you can get out of that warranty. It may cover a wide range of tune ups and auto repair, and even the replacement of car parts. Read your vehicle warranty closely and know your rights well. Make sure that you do not waste your money by taking your vehicle to another mechanic or auto service shop when you can get free service and car parts from your warranty. Take your car to the appropriate dealership, whether Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chrysler, Daewoo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volkswagen,Volvo, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Hyundia, Mazda, or Suzuki. They have all the necessary expertise to make an accurate diagnostic check up on your vehicle and do all major or minor repairs necessary, including computer diagnostics and computer reprogramming.

If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, then you do not have to pay top dollar for the more expensive services of a dealership. Find a professional, experienced and reputable auto service shop with equally professional, experienced and reputable mechanics. Make sure they are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). In such good hands you will get top notch service at a more reasonable price.

It should be a given that they have expertise on engines, including engine rebuild or engine replacement. At this level, such shops should also have the ability to repair brakes and tractions control systems including the antilock brake systems (ABS). Their transmission service and maintenance should include the transmission flush, the repair of any oil leaks and oil change service. They should be handling radiators, cooling systems and auto air conditioner (A/C) repair routinely.

They are expected to have the capability to repair electronic steering, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible tops, power sunroofs and power locks, as well as do electrical troubleshooting for all types of electrical shorts and problems with alternators, hoses and belts such as timing belts.

The shop should also be equipped to do work on body systems and suspensions, including front suspension, rear suspension and air suspension.

Ask if they know how to repair air bag systems. It would be a big plus if they also know how to install and repair automotive anti theft systems, such as remote starters, and do key reprogramming.

Another good gauge of a reputable auto service shop is its ability to supply you with automotive parts of the highest quality at competitive prices. Recognized brands are AC Delco, Bosch, Remy, Motorcraft, Mopar, Goodyear, Dayco, Echlin, Standard, Cardone, Autolite, NGK, Akebono, Nipedenso, and Denso.


If your auto service shop and its mechanics are truly reliable and trustworthy, they would also help you cut costs by providing you with cheaper yet safe alternatives to brand new automotive parts. In many instances, remanufactured automotive parts may be had for much less than, as in the case of automotive transmissions.

Of course you can save most if you do all the necessary automotive maintenance and repair yourself. This requires a definite commitment on your part to do your research and learn about all general automotive repairs, including both minor repairs and major repairs. If you cannot cover all these, you can still take on simpler tasks such changing our vehicle’s oil and rotating your vehicle’s tires.