Depending on what your car needs, auto repairs can be pricey! According to Cars.com, the average cost of repairs is generally between $400-$600. Although that’s a good ballpark figure for many types of repairs, your actual repair costs can vary quite a bit depending on which part is being repaired or replaced, the make and model of your vehicle, and how long you’ve waited to have the issue addressed. Some repairs (like transmission or engine repair) can cost thousands of dollars!

Although there’s no sure way to 100% prevent repairs on your vehicle, there are several things you can do to minimize future repair costs. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

1. Find a Reputable Auto Repair Shop in Your Area

If you don’t already have an established relationship with a mechanic, it’s important to find a reliable, honest shop you can trust with your repair work. Although the price might be the first thing on your mind, aim for a shop that offers a good value over a cheap fix. Look for a shop that’s demonstrated its commitment to quality auto care, such as an ASE-certified or AAA-approved repair facility.

Ask friends and family members about their personal experiences, and check out online reviews. While reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, looking at the overall themes that show up can give you a great idea of what to expect. If there are any negative reviews, it’s also important to see if (and how) the shop responds. Can they take constructive criticism? Do they handle a bad review with grace? If so, that’s a shop that truly cares about the quality of its service and improving the customer experience.

2. Learn About Common Car Repairs

It might seem unnecessary to learn about car repairs (after all, isn’t that why you hire a mechanic?) but understanding why repairs are sometimes needed can help be proactive with them.

For example, a blown head gasket (which is a pricey repair) is caused by your engine repeatedly overheating or continuing to drive your car while it overheats. The extra heat in the engine causes the cylinder head and engine block to expand, which causes the head gasket to fail. Knowing this gives you extra incentive to get the overheating issue fixed before it results in a more expensive repair.

Where can you start learning about common auto repairs? Our blog has lots of helpful articles on various types of repairs and maintenance. You can also read through your owner’s manual to get a better idea of what various parts do, how certain parts are interconnected, and what types of maintenance they may need. Another way to learn more about common auto repair issues is to ask for one of the books co-owner Russell McCloud has written. It is also available on Amazon.com, search for “Knowledge is Power”, be sure to include his name in your search as there are a large number of books similarly titled.

Or, you can simply click here: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Power-Stuff-Should-Know/dp/1502567954

3. Keep Up with Your Routine Maintenance

Skipping your oil change and tire rotations will save you a few bucks here or there, but in the long run, it’s really not worth it. Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your vehicle performing well and prevent repairs. Rotating your tires according to your manufacturer’s recommendations, for example, will help distribute their wear and tear more evenly—which means you won’t have to replace them as quickly. Tires can be expensive, so the more you can extend their life, the less you’ll spend on them over the road life of your vehicle. A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to auto repairs!

4. Don’t Ignore Your Warning Lights

Although you may be tempted to ignore your dashboard warning lights, it’s never a good idea. Even though the light could be triggered by something simple, like a loose gas cap, it could also be a sign of a serious problem developing. If you ignore your oil light, your engine could suffer from premature wear and corrosion—which is much more expensive than getting an oil change. Whenever one of your dashboard warning lights comes on, it’s always best to schedule a diagnostics appointment as soon as you can.

5. Drive Your Car with Care

The way you drive also plays a big role in how much wear and tear your vehicle sustains. If you ride the clutch or brake abruptly a lot, it puts a lot more strain on the parts, and they’ll wear out faster. Switching from reverse to drive while in motion can cause expensive transmission damage; driving with low fuel levels all the time can damage the fuel pump. Pay attention to your driving habits, and your vehicle will last considerably longer!

Need a Repair? Accurate Automotive Attention is Here to Help!

Following these tips is a great way to prevent many common repairs Yuma drivers face. However, even the most conscientious driver will likely need a repair at some point! Accurate Automotive Attention offers full-service repairs and maintenance for domestic and foreign vehicles in Central Yuma and the Foothills. Voted Yuma’s Best Auto Repair Shop for 20 years in a row, we’re ASE-certified and AAA-approved—so you can always be confident your auto care is handled correctly. Contact us today!

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