Why are car repairs so expensive? Like most people, you probably don’t enjoy shelling out your hard-earned money for vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, they’re a necessary evil, unless you want to end up stranded on the side of the road. Even so, that doesn’t mean you have to overpay! Learn why so many Americans rely on protection plans to cover the cost.

Why Are Car Repairs So Expensive?

AAA estimates that Americans pay an average of $500 to $600 for each vehicle repair. It recommends setting aside $50 per month for maintenance and repairs.

Why are the prices so high when you take your vehicle to the shop? These are some of the most common causes:

  • Mechanics charge by the hour, which can cause prices to skyrocket.
  • Labor costs have climbed over the past few years.
  • Cars have become more advanced and shops need more expensive equipment to work on them.
  • Manufacturers make modern cars out of new materials that will save you money at the gas pump but can cost more for repairs and body damage.
  • Car repairs get more expensive the longer you put them off because they start to put more wear and tear on other components.

How Can You Save Money on Car Repairs?

Fortunately, drivers have many options for saving on out-of-pocket repair costs. Consider these solutions to save your wallet:

Maintenance

Do regular maintenance at or before the recommended intervals to reduce the risk of causing damage or accelerating the need for repairs. For example, you could spend $100 or so on an oil change to avoid having to pay thousands later rebuilding your engine.

Research

Before choosing your mechanic, shop around to see what other shops charge. Sometimes, you can call the shop and ask. You could also ask family, friends and colleagues for recommendations. Alternatively, you can use sites like RepairPal.com for highly-rated recommendations.

Business Relationships

Build a strong relationship with one shop or mechanic to have a better shot at negotiating prices. A regular mechanic can also spot when things go wrong with your car so you can act proactively.

Vehicle Reliability

Purchase a vehicle with reliability and repair costs in mind. You can check online for the reliability rating and estimates on how expensive car repairs will be. Remember that European vehicles and luxury vehicles tend to rack up higher repair costs.

Parts Sourcing

Some mechanics make good money off purchasing from specific suppliers. These mechanics might not allow you to source your parts, but many others will. Also, you can always change shops. Ensure the mechanic tells you exactly what parts to get.

DIY

Servicing your own vehicle might seem daunting, but you don’t need to bring it in for every task. You can, for example, change the windshield wipers yourself or even replace your battery. These days, you can find a tutorial for just about anything you need on YouTube. That being said, if you have a protection plan, you may want to consult your provider before doing any of your own work to make sure you do not void your coverage.

Protection Plans

You’ve likely received that annoying robocall about your car’s extended warranty. However, there are legitimate companies providing protection plans that can give you peace of mind and save you thousands on out-of-pocket costs.

Your Solution to Expensive Car Repairs

Our team at autopom! hates robocalls and spam as much as you do. We’re not those guys. We offer trusted warranties accepted by highly rated ASE-certified mechanics. Contact us for a quote, so you never have to ask again: Why are car repairs so expensive?