Auto Repair: Determining How Much You'll Need To Spend

Having something go wrong with your car can be a scary thing. Your mind immediately goes to your bank balance and how much you are able to spend. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine exactly how much that will be. Auto repair spans a great many problems, not to mention makes and models. Prices will be different depending on the problem, on where you live, and on which mechanic you choose to do the work. If you want to get a ballpark idea of how much you should spend, however, there are some steps you can take to work up an estimate.

The Problem

The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what the problem is. This is the most difficult part. But even if you have very little knowledge of auto repair, you can narrow the problem down rather quickly. If you're getting a ticking sound from the engine, the problem probably isn't your tires. Once you've identified the general area (engine, wheels, electrical), you can start pinpointing the issue. Open up the hood and listen for the sound you've been experiencing. If you can find the area from which the problem is emanating, you can go a lot further in figuring out what the issue is.

Auto Repair Guide

Many cars have a vehicle guide that has a lot of specific information about that particular model. You may be able to get one from your dealership. If not, try online. Once you have this in hand, you can learn a lot about what is happening with your vehicle. In the back of the book, there should be a list of parts. Look for the ones you think might be going bad and see if replacement costs are listed. These prices may not be accurate (depending on how much time has passed since the book was written), but they will put you in the ballpark. Another idea is to go to an auto parts store and see what they are charging for the part.

Get an Estimate

If you have a mechanic you can trust, the easiest way to determine how much you'll be spending is to simply take the vehicle in and get an official estimate. For some reason, a great many car owners feel that once they've taken their car in, that's it. They have to get it fixed for the price they are quoted. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you are hesitant or want a second opinion, it is your right to refuse the work and go in search for a better price.