The cost of auto repairs is rising faster than the inflation rate. With nearly a 10% increase this year, many car owners are bringing their vehicles to the repair shop and spending over one thousand dollars.
Judy Johnston says her car is leaking oil, and instead of taking it to the repair shop she keeps a can of oil in her car and adds more as needed.
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Kelly Blue Book says the average car repair bill is $838, but many drivers are seeing much higher bills.
Drivers are taking on the cost of tariffs on foreign made parts, rising labor costs and higher costs for shop management. Many parts are imported from Mexico and China, even for American made vehicles.
“We’ve got filters, we’ve got wiper blades, we’ve got some brake parts, definitely tires. A lot of things we get on a daily basis are from out of the country,” said auto shop owner, Jeff Landrum.
A few things to keep in mind to save on auto repairs:
- Ask about coupons, discounts or any current promotions
- Visit an auto parts store for battery replacement and wipers
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty, but first check if there are complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure to keep up on routine maintenance
- Don’t postpone a repair… it will cost more later
The best bet is to find a trusted mechanic so they can find the best prices - so you don’t waste your money.