Car repairs can be expensive in Brooklyn, but the right habits keep the bills down without cutting corners on safety.
Car repairs can be a significant expense for drivers in Brooklyn, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can save money without sacrificing the quality of service. Here are some tips to help you cut costs on auto repairs while keeping your car in top shape.
1. Keep up with routine maintenance
Most expensive repairs start as cheap ones. Routine maintenance catches them early:
- Oil changes: clean oil protects the engine from wear. Your owner's manual gives the interval for your car; stop-and-go city driving is the hard case it describes.
- Tires: the right pressure makes tires last longer and saves fuel.
- Brakes: replacing pads when they wear thin protects the rotors, which cost far more.
2. Ask for a written estimate
A clear estimate lists parts and labor separately, so you can see what you are paying for and compare it with another shop's. If the price changes once the work starts, you should hear about it before the extra work is done.
3. Don't put off small repairs
A small oil leak, a squeal from the brakes or a warning light rarely fixes itself. Left alone, a leak can starve the engine of oil, and worn pads can ruin a set of rotors. The early repair is almost always the cheaper one.
4. Ask about part options
For many repairs there is a choice between original manufacturer parts and quality aftermarket parts, which can cost less. Ask your mechanic which parts are a good fit for your car and the repair.
5. Do the simple jobs yourself
Some jobs need no tools and no experience:
- Checking tire pressure, including the spare
- Replacing wiper blades
- Changing the engine air filter on many cars
- Topping up washer fluid
6. Know what your car actually needs
Your owner's manual lists what your car needs and when. If a recommended service isn't on it, ask why it is needed now. When a repair seems too large or too expensive, a second opinion costs little and can save a lot.
7. Check your warranty
A new car's warranty, an extended warranty, or a warranty on a part replaced earlier may cover the repair. Look before you pay, and keep your service records: they are often needed for a warranty claim.
Bringing it together
Regular maintenance, clear estimates and early repairs keep most bills small. If you want a second look at an estimate or a noise you can't place, bring the car to our shop at 300 McGuinness Boulevard, or call (718) 349-9742.
