For many of us, our car is a very important part of our lives. It gives us the freedom to travel, the ability to get around, and the convenience of being able to pick up and go whenever we please. You probably worked hard to save enough money to put a good-sized down payment on your vehicle when you bought it. Each month you have to keep covering the costs of insurance and your car payment. However, when your car needs auto care, the expense can hurt your budget. This is the reason why these tips for getting inexpensive automotive parts and auto repair tools can make a big difference in your month-end finances.
Save Money on Maintenance and Auto Repair Tools
If you have a minor repair such a maintenance problem, why not cut costs by doing it yourself? There are many “how-to” online tutorials and printed books that can show you step-by-step. The advantage to getting it done yourself is that you only have to pay for the parts; no labor costs are involved. At the repair facility, you’re paying more for everything because they have specialized auto repair tools, plus, it can cost $65 or more per hour to have their employees do the work. If you aren’t comfortable with doing any of these tasks yourself, ask your friends and family if they can help you out or if they know someone who can help at a low rate. Many friends and family are glad to help out and can be paid for their time with a six-pack or a pizza lunch; training schools offer ultra-low-cost repairs that really save you money.
Maintenance and Auto Care Don’t Have to Cost an Arm and a Leg
Some other minor repairs necessitate special tools or expertise, but you can still do them. Take, for example, diagnosing an engine code, getting your rotors resurfaced, changing out your spark plugs, or rotating your tires. Local car engine parts stores often provide less-expensive diagnostic and resurfacing services than at the specialized repair shops. Engine error codes can be ambiguous and aggravating. In some states, auto parts suppliers have the tools to help diagnose problems on the spot. Nevertheless, some localities don’t allow this, but the tool itself is offered for sale for around $200. It can cost $90 or so to have your dealer run a diagnostic test on your car’s computer. But you can have this tool in your arsenal of auto repair tools for about what it would cost to visit the dealer twice!
Basic Maintenance and Auto Care Don’t Have to Break the Bank
Rotor resurfacing can present challenges because they have to be “meaty” enough before they can be resurfaced. A minimal amount of rotor metal must be present so that they remain at a reliable thickness. Don’t worry, however, because the resurfacing shops will tell you on the spot if they meet the thickness requirements. Additionally, they have the machine right there to get the job done. In an equally easy manner, spark plugs are available for purchase at the automotive care and supply store and the necessary gap is displayed clearly on the package. If you need a gapping tool, they are available for under $5. You can also rotate your own tires by using a standard jack.
Save yourself tons of money by doing your own maintenance on your automobile or truck. You can make your car last longer while making your dollars go even farther, while using the additional cash to get more time on the road!