No one ever looks forward to getting their car repaired, but given enough time, it’s an inevitable certainty. You can’t avoid repairs, but you can take some steps to reduce the amount they set you back. When you feel a knock, hear a squeal or notice a rattle, do the following before you drop your car off at the shop.
Another thing you should be doing anyway is driving well — and this, too, can make repairs both less frequent and less severe. During the break-in period of the first 1,000 miles, drive under 55 mph when you can and try not to tow anything. For the life of the car, accelerate slowly, don’t hold the wheel to the extreme right or left when you turn, shift to neutral at red lights and don’t race your engine when it’s very hot or very cold outside.
Know Your Warranty
Dig out your warranty — or call the dealership with your vehicle identification number — to learn if you’re still covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty, drivetrain warranty or both. Find out how much longer you’re covered under either or both, exactly how long your warranties last, exactly what they cover and exactly what’s required of you to keep your warranties in good standing. While it lasts, your warranty is your best protection against breaking the bank on costly repairs.
Protect Your Warranty
If you are under warranty, protect your protection by not doing or failing to do anything that voids your warranty agreement. That means getting your car serviced on a regular schedule and keeping detailed records of those service appointments no matter who does the work. Using an aftermarket or recycled part won’t void your warranty in and of itself, but if one is installed incorrectly or does other damage to your car, be aware that those repairs might not be covered.
Fight If You’re Denied
If you bring your car in for repairs while it’s still under warranty and the service manager denies your warranty claim and you believe that you should have been covered, go with your gut. Go to another dealer before you pay anything or contact the manufacturer. If all else fails, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, your state attorney general or your local consumer protection office to fight for your money.
Learn How To Fix What’s Fixable
Good driving, basic maintenance and warranty management can go a long way in preventing outsized repair bills. You can also, however, save real money by taking on the many repairs that are DIY. Family Handyman lists more than 100 “super-simple” car repairs you can do yourself, and while “super simple” is a subjective term, most people can change their air filters, fill their own tires with air, maintain their own spares and even replace their own headlights and more without paying a mechanic to do it for them.
If Nothing Else, Change Your Oil …
Oil changes can cost less than $50 or more than double that amount with top-quality synthetics and a new filter — but regular oil changes are well worth the money. Without them, your lubricating oil will convert to black sludge and every system in your car will run poorly. Eventually, you’ll kill your engine and meet the most expensive repairs in the automobile universe face to face.
… But Not Too Often
Many dealers and auto shops will recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles — they’ll even put a little sticker on your car with the mileage so you don’t forget. That was long the standard, but thanks to modern engines and high-tech petroleum-refinement, 3,000-mile oil changes are generally wasteful by a multiplier of at least two. Always go with manufacturer recommendations as laid out in your owner’s manual. You’ll likely find that you can go for 7,000 miles or even as many as 10,000 between changes.
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