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AAA reports how to save on car repairs

-New York

AAA, CarFax and CARS.com have performed many studies based upon actual spending patterns. For example CarFax.com collects real time spending data now from all car dealers and certified licensed repair shops. You can even access this data on a app about your car and find certified locations near you that meet criteria for a licensed and insured repair facility.

Because this is real time data, they know its accurate. These are connectors where your new car dealer sells CarFax your information and connects to your state DMV database who also allows them access. This provides you with a good history of information proving you have kept your car safe and its repairs and maintenance are performed on time. Car dealers then use this to value your trade in by analyzing if your car has been kept clean and its services performed on time. You do not have to go back to the dealer for maintenance! Save money by choosing a licensed auto repair and tire shop such as Arlington Auto & Tire in Poughkeepsie - they will transmit the info that your oil changes and mileage services were completed.

  

Under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act car dealers can not deny you warranty coverage for performing services at a licensed repair shop - your warranty is maintained and it's illegal for the dealer to imply or threaten you. Watch for this tactic when buying a new car and being sold expensive service packages, your senses are probably right - they are not pushing it for altruistic reasons.

Did you know - the average car repair bill is between $400 and $900 per visit to a car dealer? Of course some are the free warranty work and you should collect on those recalls and problems, however much of the glass and marble in a car dealer is paid for by those high repair bills not the purchase of the car. The same repairs at independent garages usually come with longer warranties on the parts and the labor is typically hundreds less on major repairs. Some shops such as ArlingtonAutoTire.com offer a nationwide Tire and Service Network Sonsio insurance warranty that is included at no extra charge, this covers you for many services up to 2 years and nationwide at thousands of verified locations.

As you know new cars depreciate quickly, usually about 45% in 3 years, so the average car will go from $30,000 and drop by $13,500 or $4,500 per year loss in value ($375 per month) down to $16,500. At $375 per month  depreciation alone one should question why they need to buy a new car. If not taken care of it is inevitable you will be paying for these losses. However, there is a better way.

  

People who simply use drive thru car washes once a month and a couple times more during winter will reduce corrosion substantially. A basic car wash averages about $12 to $18 a month.

But how to save on car repairs is a question that many search for when finding a mechanic near me, at least in terms of voice search - a very popular term!

A method Suze Orman suggests is to put about $58 a month away automatically into a savings account and set up your direct deposit or online banking to do this for you. This way you will save about $696 per year to cover maintenance costs and have a little for future needs while also earning interest. Then sign up for a local mechanic charge account here: https://www.thegoodyearcreditcard.com/?gyID=38278

This option offers zero percent for 30 days, 6 months, and even a one year plan, see their site for current terms and conditions. Now, here is the trick to maximize this coupled with your online savings account - you set up automatic payments to pay off the account before its due! Utilizing online banking bill pay, lets say you buy a $600 repair, divide it up by the 6 months zero percent plan* (see terms of their plan) and your bank with auto pay from your savings $100 a month paying it off easily! Plus you are still adding $58 a month into the account so in short time you will not only recover but also feel like it was no stress - all at zero percent interest! It works, your friends will appreciate this if they use it - but only those savvy enough to understand how to save will even do it.

So watch out for your desire to buy a new car, choose a local technician repair shop, and utilize smart credit that saves you money to protect your vehicle investment. Keep your vehicle in top shape by replacing the fluids, flushing systems of debris and particles, replace worn components before they cause problems, and follow the suggestions of your professional mechanic who has seen the things that cause problems before they occur. Set up a savings account to eliminate the stress of the unknown and earn a little interest while being prepared.

Your car will last much longer, run better, and have a higher trade in value when the day comes that you just can't contain your excitement!