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Every car owner dreads it. The call from
your mechanic telling you that your regularly scheduled tune-up has
uncovered a major repair problem--and it's going to cost you. According
to MotorService, an auto industry trade magazine, the most frequent auto
repairs include:
1.) Brake system
2.) Lube/oil change/filters
3.) Cooling/heating (radiator)
4.) Ignition/electronic control
5.) Steering/suspension
6.) Carburetor/fuel system
7.) Electrical
8.) Transmission/clutch/rear axle
9.) Auto air conditioning
10.) Exhaust system
In addition to auto repair services,
there are many other costs associated with owning a car, including car
payments, commuting expenses (e.g. gas, tolls, parking), and insurance
premiums. Here are some tips that can help car owners save money.
Keep your repair costs in check
One of the most important things you can do to avoid costly auto repairs
is preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled trips to your mechanic
can save you money in the long run. Either follow your car
manufacturer's maintenance schedule, or ask your repair shop if they
have their own schedule.
When bringing your car in for repairs,
be sure to ask for a written estimate ahead of time. You'll also want to
make sure that the repair shop will get your approval to perform any
work that exceeds a certain amount.
Lower your commuting expenses
Many car owners overlook the cost of commuting when determining their
monthly car expenses. In addition to gas and toll charges, you may need
to factor in fees to park your car. Car pooling, either with coworkers
or through a car pooling service, and taking advantage of public
transportation (e.g. train, bus) in your area can greatly reduce your
commuting expenses.
Lower your insurance premiums
Aside from your car payment, your monthly insurance premium may be your
second-largest car-related expense. If you're looking to save money on
your premiums, follow these simple steps:
- Shop around--in most states,
premiums vary widely from company to company, so it often pays to
compare policies
- Increase your deductible--typically,
increasing your deductible will result in a lower premium
- If you drive an older car, consider
dropping collision and/or other-than-collision (also known as
comprehensive) coverage
- Take advantage of discounts--ask
your insurer what types of discounts they offer (e.g. low mileage,
antitheft devices, air bags, antilock brakes, safe driver)
Are you
paying too much for Auto Insurance Repairs? Do you Qualify for lower
Auto Insurance Premiums?
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