How to Save Big Money on Car Repairs

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By 63miranda
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save big money

If you want to avoid expensive car repairs, with a little research you can do some things yourself and save a lot of money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

OBD2 (Onboard Diagnostics 2) reader
Chilton repair manual
part number(s)
a friend or relative with car maintenance skills

Step 1

If your "Service Engine Soon" light comes on or you catch your side mirror on the garage door frame and break it off, you don't have to spend a fortune to get it fixed. Borrow a OBD2 (Onboard Diagnostics 2) reader from your local car parts store and find out what the fault code is yourself.
Step 2

Call a car dealership or repair shop and find out what part is required to fix the fault code you obtained with the OBD2 (Onboard Diagnostics 2) reader. Write down the part number(s) and find out what they would charge for the part and the labor to replace the part.
Step 3

Get on the internet and search under that part number. If you need to replace a broken mirror, search by your car's make and model year. Be sure to indicate right or left for the mirror. Compare the prices to what you were quoted from the repair shop. If it's cheaper online, order the part there.
Step 4

Next, you will need to find out where the part is located under the hood. I recommend purchasing a Chilton manual for your car. You can find used manuals on amazon.com. I only paid $8.99 (including shipping) for mine instead of $30 for a brand new one. There may be pictures available online on various car repair blog sites as well.
Step 5

If you're not skilled in car repair, chances are that you have a friend or relative who is. Bartering for car maintenance help will save you the high cost of labor at the dealership or repair shop! I had a friend replace a part and a side mirror for me in exchange for a pack of cigarettes and beer.