7 tips to Avoid Hefty Garage Bills
Going to the garage can be expensive. With these invaluable tips, learn the tips that will allow you to take care of your car on the cheap.
1. Keep the Same Dealer:
Is your vehicle still under warranty, but you are not satisfied with the dealer's performance?
- You can have your car serviced and repaired at the professional of your choice. The only requirement is that it must use original parts.
- By parting with your dealership, however, you run the risk of missing certain recall operations which are sometimes performed discreetly during an overhaul.
- It is in your best interest to take your new car to a dealer for at least the first two years. This increases its rating and your chances of reselling it.
On the other hand, you are free to choose the mechanic you want.
2. Do not Replace your Tires for Nicks:
When a salesperson points out the gashes on your tire sidewalls, maybe they're just trying to sell you new tires. No need to worry. These cuts are quite normal.
- In fact, it is not a question of notches, but of joints between the cabled wires, which give the tire greater bending resistance.
- On the other hand, if there is a bulge or a dent on the tire, it would be wise to replace it, because it risks bursting at any time.
3. Polish Your Car Yourself:
We offer cleaning packages which, in some cases, include polishing with correction of small scratches. Admittedly, the result is generally brilliant, but the operation remains expensive.
- With a good polish and microfiber cloths, you can do almost as well and the score will be significantly lower.
- If you absolutely want to have this job done by professionals, make sure they are professionally trained.
4. Take a Test Drive with the Mechanic:
The mechanic's first instinct when mechanical part creaks or squeaks is to place the car on a lift in order to examine the running gear.
- Don't be satisfied with this simple advice. Demand more control.
- For certain breakdowns, such as those involving the wheels or the suspensions, a good mechanic cannot give an opinion without at least having carried out a road test.
- Indeed, some noises are only audible in movement.
6. Choose Used Auto Parts:
Parts available from wreckers are sold 30 to 50% cheaper than new.
- However, this should be avoided for parts that wear out quickly, such as tires, brake discs, shock absorbers, etc.
7. Beware of Unnecessary Expenses:
You can do without some high-priced operations, such as filling windshield washer fluid, lubricating gimbals, or replacing oil or diesel filters.
- To save money, lift the hood and add a little oil or liquid for the windows in the reservoirs provided, change a defective bulb or change the oil using a special wrench.
- Also, watch out for unnecessary expenses. Some mechanics tend to have a heavy hand and want to replace accessories that are still in good condition.
It often happens to come out of the garage with a very steep bill. In order to avoid unnecessary expenses, follow these tips, and don't be fooled!
