Are you Looking for ways to save money on car repairs?
Regularly maintaining your vehicle with things like oil changes and tire rotations is the best way to give your trusted mechanic the chance to keep an eye on your vehicle’s overall health. That way, items that require attention won’t be left to deteriorate to the point of major parts breaking, which could get far more expensive than your budget allows. Just like preventative dental care, regular car care can identify and stave off big, expensive issues.
Another way to save on car repairs is by bringing your own auto parts to a mechanic.
Everyone knows there’s a markup on parts, but that markup helps shops to pay their rent, employees, pay for pricey equipment, and to make some money – after all, they’ve got to remain in business, right? So, since it could save you a few bucks, you may be wondering, “Can you bring your own parts to a mechanic?” In the long run, it’s actually not a great idea
#1: You get NO warranty.
Let’s say you’ve found a great deal on brake pads at a local part store, or maybe you’ve been shopping at some unknown discount website. Either way, you bring them to the shop for your mechanic to install. Seems harmless, right? Not so fast! If the brakes you bought end up disappointing you, or wind up failing altogether, YOU are responsible for those parts, as well as the labor to have installed them. Nothing will have been covered under the shop’s warranty. Why not? Seems almost like a silly question, doesn’t it? It’s not the part they sourced, there’s no channel they can follow to get you some relief in performing the work again, and the “cheap” parts you bought to save a buck may be considerably lesser quality than the ones your trusted mechanic provides to you every time you visit. Any number of issues can arise, but they all lead to the same result: You’re out of luck.
Would you bring your steak to a restaurant, toss it at the chef, telling him to cook it for you?
I mean, let’s be honest, you can buy that steak for less than the restaurant is going to charge you, right? What’s the big deal? Trying to save money at the expense of sacrificing known quality and protection may not be a big deal on a $30 brake pad. How about a $150 electronic sensor? The cost of the parts needed to restore normal function to your family’s vehicles is only one of the considerations. How about safety, reliability, and long-term performance?
The next time you need car repairs, choose a mechanic that is reputable, develop a relationship with him, and trust that they’re not trying to steer you wrong. Integrity Auto has been voted the best repair shop in Stow, OH for ten years in a row. We pride ourselves on honesty, and a level of care unsurpassed by any of the other independent garages in the area.