By not paying for labor, and avoiding markup on the parts, you’ll save a lot of money. You might decide to do the repairs yourself. DIYĪre you mechanically inclined? Do you have space and tools to work on your car? The best is that they’ll cover the repairs. But, a phone call can help you determine if your warranty is still valid and if it will cover some or all of the costs. You have to read all that little fine print. Check Your Warrantyĭo you have any kind of warranty on your vehicle? If you paid for an extended warranty check and see if your repair is covered. Of course, your mechanic might not offer the same warranty on the work if you supply the parts, so make sure you discuss this option. Buying used can save a significant amount and help reduce your final bill.īy going to Tear-A-Part and pulling the parts yourself, you will save even more. If your mechanic won’t work with used car parts, find one who will. Lowering the costs of your auto repairs makes it more affordable. And, there’s no guarantee the advice you receive will change. You will have to pay both mechanics for their diagnostic time. Going to a different mechanic can help you get to the root of the problem. In this case, replacing the oxygen sensor wouldn’t actually solve the problem and the light would come back on. For example, a check engine light for an oxygen sensor can be triggered by a vacuum leak. Cars are complicated, and sometimes multiple problems can result in the same symptoms. Sometimes there is a simpler, less in-depth solution to the problem. If you aren’t completely confident in your mechanic’s diagnostics, or if your mechanic isn’t an expert at repairing your make of car, a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Sometimes a second opinion is worth investing in. This can help lower the bill and make it more manageable. Some do, so see if there are any discounts available you qualify for. See if your mechanic offers an AAA discount or a senior discount. You can also find out if there are any discounts available. This conversation will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. But, this is a repair you could put off until you have some extra funds.
Of course, with the light on all the time, you might miss another problem, and you won’t pass an emissions inspection. But, you can still drive the car without replacing the sensor. For instance, a broken oxygen sensor can trigger your check engine light to come on. Through this conversation you can also learn if the repair is needed immediately, or if your car is still drivable without it. Is there a less expensive option available? Make sure you understand what the problem is. The good news is, you do have some options. So what should you do if you simply can’t afford to fix your car? If you aren’t saving up for unexpected repairs, the cost can seriously wreck an already tight budget. But since they keep your car running and on the road, they are sometimes necessary.
No one enjoys having to spend money on car repairs. What Are Your Options If You Can’t Afford Your Car Repairs?