The Real Reason Auto Repair Costs Are Skyrocketing

4 Car Repairs That Are Often Overpriced

4 Car Repairs That Are Often Overpriced

If you need to get some work done on your car, even if it is considered normal maintenance, you don’t want to end up paying more than the service is actually worth. We’re going to take a look at four car repairs that are frequently overpriced so that you know to shop around.

  1. Oil Changes – Repair shops get a ton of money out of drivers by having you come in every three months or 3,000 miles. However, your owner’s manual may reveal that only need an oil change every 7,500 miles or so.
  2. Braking System – Most of the time, you only need brake pads, and your mechanic does the job in under half an hour. You pay for an hour of labor and double the price of the pads. Try to find a mechanic who will let you buy your own pads.
  3. Tune-Up – Never go into the shop and just ask your mechanic for a tune-up. You’re basically giving them carte blanche to do repairs on your car, and that can add up to $1,000 or more quickly. Instead, have the vehicle evaluated and get an estimate on what actually needs to be done.
  4. Fluid Top-Offs – If your mechanic tops-off the fluids in your car for free, that’s great! If not, beware that you are probably paying way too much for the little bit of fluid that gest poured into your car.

Protect Yourself with an Extended Warranty from Vehicle Service Center

At Vehicle Service Center, we offer service contracts to meet any driver’s needs or budget. To talk to one of our vehicle protection specialists, call us today at 1-800-280-6708 or request your free quote online.

5 Mistakes that Can Lead to Major Repair Bills

5 Mistakes that Can Lead to Major Repair Bills

One of the biggest costs a car owner can have is a major repair bill. Some of those repairs, however, are avoidable. We’re going to look at 5 mistakes drivers make that lead to expensive repairs so that you can protect your vehicle and your wallet.

#1 Not Maintaining the Car

Getting an oil change on schedule may seem like a little thing, but this and other maintenance operations add up. If you don’t keep up with your car’s regular maintenance, you really can’t be surprised when major repairs follow.

#2 Poor Communication

Good communication with your auto mechanic can save you a bundle. You need to let the mechanic know what you hear, see, and even smell that lets you know something is wrong with the car. You should also provide any recent repair history if you got some work done at a different location prior to coming to the garage you are presently at.

#3 Diagnosing the Problem Yourself

If you are a mechanic and will be doing the work yourself, this is fine. If you are bringing your car in for work, let the repair person diagnose the issue and fix it. If you say that a belt is bad and should be replaced, you can’t complain later if the tech does exactly what you said but it doesn’t fix the problem.

#4 Ignoring Issues

Car issues don’t get better on their own. If something is wrong with your car, it is only going to grow worse with time, so don’t wait to get the repairs done. If a warning light appears on the dashboard, have it checked out as soon as possible.

#5 Not Shopping Around

If your car is drivable, you can take it to several different shops to see which experienced mechanic charges the best rate Don’t sacrifice work-quality for price but don’t pay extra just because you didn’t shop around.

A Vehicle Service Contract Can Reduce Repair Bills

Having the right service contract on your vehicle can shrink major repair bills to a manageable size. To get an extended warranty on your new or used vehicle, call Vehicle Service Center today at 1-800-280-6708.

5 Things to Help You Avoid an Accident and the Repair Bill

5 Things to Help You Avoid an Accident and the Repair Bill

One of the most expensive causes of a vehicle repair bill is a car accident. Even if you have collision insurance, you still likely have a deductible that has to come out of pocket for the repairs. Plus, an accident can often mean higher insurance premiums. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting into an accident in the first place.

  1. Follow Traffic Laws – While some may seem overly restrictive, traffic laws are in place for our protection. Since most accidents occur while a person is speeding, obeying the speed limit is particularly important.
  2. Maintain Your Vehicle – If you hit the brakes and nothing happens, an accident is almost certain to ensue. Keeping brakes, tires, and other vital components of the car in proper working order is a must. Even headlights, brake lights, and signal lights help to prevent accidents.
  3. Never Drive Under the Influence – We get regular reminders never to drink and drive but remember that being under the influence of certain medications can be just as dangerous (and illegal).
  4. Don’t Text and Drive – Regardless of your state’s smartphone use laws, avoid texting and other distracting behaviors while driving.
  5. Set Your GPS While Parked – Start your GPS before you leave if you are driving alone. If you have a passenger with you, he or she should be handling the GPS while you drive.

Vehicles Break Down Enough Without Accidents

Even without an accident, your car is likely to need repairs now and then. That’s why we encourage you to protect yourself with an extended warranty. The right service contract can help ensure that your vehicle doesn’t cost you a fortune when turning the key doesn’t bring it to life. To get a free quote from one of our vehicle protection specialists, call Vehicle Service Center today at 1-800-280-6708.

4 Ways to Keep from Getting Slammed with a Huge Car Repair Bill

4 Ways to Keep from Getting Slammed with a Huge Car Repair Bill

Auto repair costs are constantly on the rise. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of 4 smart things you can do to keep from getting taken for a ride by a mechanic.

  1. Get the Used Parts Back – If you ask the mechanic to give you the used parts, you can confirm that the parts were bad and needed to be replaced. You also know that the part was really changed out and that the invoice isn’t just being padded.
  2. See Two Mechanics – If something sounds funny, especially the estimated repair cost, be sure to seek a second opinion before letting anyone work on your vehicle. Sometimes you may get pressure to take care of something now when it’s not only not an emergency but not even really necessary.
  3. Cut a Deal – Negotiate with the shop to get the best deal possible, especially if you feel like the final bill doesn’t accurately represent the estimate or any additional services that you may have verbally added on later. You may be able to get a discount on the labor.
  4. Have a Service Contract – Many of the largest expenses you face as a car owner may be covered if you just have the right service contract on your vehicle.

Assistance in Acquiring the Service Contract that Meets Your Auto Repair Needs

The best thing to do is to get a service contract on your vehicle before you find yourself staring at a repair invoice with your mouth hanging open due to the exorbitant price. To talk to a vehicle protection specialist and get a free quote, call Vehicle Service Center today at 1-800-280-6708.