Brake Repair On A Budget - 4 Money Saving Tips

Brake repair can be expensive, but there are some options that can help drives save money and get the maintenance they need. Simply checking your newspaper for local coupons can save you a big chunk of money. Or, if you're looking for a long-term solution to car maintenance, consider going the DIY route and learning a few repairs on your own. Here are some ways you can save.

DIY:
One of the best ways to save money on auto work is by learning how to do-it-yourself. The only cost is your personal time, parts, and an initial investment in the tools (which will quickly pay themselves off). Brake repair isn't as easy as learning how to change your own oil, however. If you're planning on tackling changing the pads or rotors, you'll want to practice with some more basic tasks first. Before you try any job, you should also watch and learn from someone more experienced than you. Taking pictures during each step will also help you remember how the configurations should look in case you get stuck.

Coupons:
Check out coupons from popular auto shops that offer discounts on brake repair. Many will include additional services such as an oil change, fluid top off, and complimentary inspection. You can save anywhere from 10% to 50%. Watch out for extreme discounts, as there may be scam artists who issue them. Sometimes they will offer free or extremely low cost services, but later on slam you with a much larger bill or pressure you into buying something you don't actually need. If you're a first time customer at a mechanic, ask about any available offers. Repeat business is important so they'll often go out of their way to impress a new client.

Honest:
If you're getting brake repair or any other kind of car service, you should invest your time and efforts into finding an honest and reliable mechanic first. It can take some trial and error, but one of the easiest ways is to receive an estimate for a job from several different locations. Compare all of the quotes and eliminate the ones that are significantly higher in cost or duration. There should be some that are quite close in price, and these will be fairly accurate reflections of true market value. Use the Internet to search for prices first as well (for both parts and labor in the area). The more you know the less likely you are to get overcharged.

Parts:
Finding a decent price for labor isn't your only hurdle in the budget department. Parts can hike up the dollars as well as waiting time if they must be ordered. Not many customers are aware that they do have more options than what is offered to them. Most mechanics won't do much searching on your behalf for the least expensive auto components. Save yourself money and time by finding out what you need and sourcing it yourself. You can get cheap and decent parts from auction sites, local stores, and even junkyards.