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What To Expect When Having Your Car Repaired

A lot of things can go wrong with our vehicles. More often than not, parts and systems wait until the worst possible time before failing. Your transmission might suddenly have trouble finding the right gear; your engine may overheat; your brakes might start grinding on the rotors; or your A/C may stop blowing cold air when the summer months are right around the corner. These and other problems can leave us at the mercy of our dealership technicians or local mechanics.

Most people lack understanding regarding how cars work. So, when auto parts fail, the uncertainty is disheartening because there’s no way to tell how much it will cost to resolve the problem. In this article, we’ll approach this issue in the context of how to save money on car repairs. You’ll learn how auto repair facilities price jobs, and how to avoid the markup on replacement parts.

Doing Your Own Repairs

You’ll save a significant amount of money repairing your vehicle on your own. For a lot of tasks, this is easier than most people realize. Replacing spark plugs, brake pads, and air filters can be done easily in very little time. Other jobs, such as replacing a water pump or fuel pump, are more involved. But they can still be completed as long as you have a few tools, a little automotive knowledge, and a bit of patience.

The obstacle for most people is knowing where these parts are located and being able to reach them. Today’s vehicles are cramped under the hood. Parts are designed to fit like a puzzle with very little room left over to work. Moreover, many of the systems rely on computers, making the task of diagnosing and repairing problems difficult, if not impossible, for the average driver. For this reason, most people will need to trust a mechanic.

Trusting A Mechanic

When you take your vehicle to a repair shop and explain the problem you’re experiencing, you’re hoping you’ll be treated fairly. If you have received good service from the shop in the past, trust shouldn’t be an issue (unless there has been a change in management). If, however, it is your first visit, you’re leaving a lot to chance.

For example, you’ll have no experience with the technicians; are they knowledgeable and proficient, or are they new to the job? You’ll also lack experience regarding the shop’s fairness; will they quote you a reasonable estimate that comes close to the final bill, or surprise you at the end?

One of the most confusing and frustrating areas involves the prices charged for repairs. Here’s what you can expect…

Why Did The Work Cost So Much?

Every job, from replacing the water pump to cleaning the fuel injectors, has a specific amount of time allotted for repairs. This time allotment is listed in manuals published by the car manufacturers. It varies by make and model. For example, changing a timing belt in a 2007 Toyota Camry may be listed as requiring 3 hours. By comparison, performing the same job for a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser may be listed at 4 hours.

Repair garages typically charge an hourly rate (usually between $50 and $100). When they provide an estimate for a particular job, they multiply the number of hours published by the automakers by their hourly rate. If a job takes half the time listed by the automaker, you will still pay the entire price, as if the work required every allotted minute. Is this fair? No. But it is a consistent practice in the auto repair industry.

Avoiding The Mechanic’s Markup

When you need to have failing parts replaced, your dealership or auto repair garage will charge a markup. Sometimes, this markup is significant; while it is usually held at under 50%, it can climb much higher for expensive components. If you know the part you need, you can avoid this markup by purchasing the component online. As long as you work with a reputable distributor who offers a reasonable warranty, the parts should be reliable. Once you receive the component, ask your mechanic to install it.

Auto repairs are discouraging because they are often expensive. But having the right expectations can soften the financial blow.

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