Owning a car can be something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you cannot imagine daily life without this source of tremendous convenience. On the other, the repair schedule and expenses can occasionally be brutal enough to send you running back to public transit. Thankfully there is a middle ground, and it relies on nothing more complex than a basic understanding of common car repairs. If you have found yourself wondering whether those mechanics' estimates may be a bit suspicious, some basic education can go a long way toward saving your finances in the future.
Cars are notoriously complex machines, given to wear and malfunction in countless areas. From dings in the body down to the tiniest catalytic converter, the vehicles we drive are as intricate as they are pricey. Only a few main areas seem to require attention year after year, however - master these and you can expect lower bills and a more successful ownership experience.
The most common repair is most likely the brakes. This is, after all, a part that was designed specifically to wear down and disappear over time. Whether your car uses pads or disks, it is important to get detailed information about how much wear you are looking at. Responsible ASE-certified auto shops will most likely give you a percentage of material remaining, making it far easier to decide when it's time for a replacement part. If the problem is something more substantial - blocked fluid lines or a defective booster, for instance - you will want to call around for different estimates before committing to an expensive process.
Engine problems are the second most common type of repairs, especially when you consider just how many parts are covered by this umbrella category. From issues with the fuel lines to a mis-choked carburetor, engine repair can run well into three and even four figures. Taking swift action is inevitably less expensive than waiting, however - that "check engine" light isn't decoration, and it's not unusual for problems such as these to quickly snowball into major mechanical failures. Experts recommend getting off the road and to a trusted mechanic at the first sign of engine trouble.
Countless other problems can arise in the daily operation of your car, from suspension and tire pressure failures to problems with the transmission, electrical system and climate control. Practiced mechanics and savvy customers know the best way to save money on repairs such as these is to do some comparison shopping and keep a vigilant eye out for pricing scams. Speak to friends about their experiences if you are on the hunt for a new repair shop, and be sure to check Better Business Bureau files to avoid sources of common compliant.
One of the few consistent truisms about owner a car is that you will almost never see the same problem twice. Good research, sound preventive maintenance and an informed perspective on the repair business should keep you driving at minimal expense for years to come.
