American car owners spent an average of $1,474.50, or $0.0983 per mile, on car maintenance and repairs in 2023. Depending on your vehicle, how old it is, and how dependable it is, you may spend less than that amount, about the same, or possibly a lot more. It depends.
If you’re a DIYer who can wrench on your car independently, you stand to save a ton. But many people, due to the complexity of modern-day cars, rely on auto mechanics.
Prices Can Go Through the Roof
No one expects mechanics to work for free. Even the Good Book says workers are worthy of their wages. And if you’re a conscientious car owner, you won’t expect free help. But that doesn’t mean you want to be overcharged for required repairs or pay for unnecessary work.
Unexpected repairs can strain your wallet. AAA says unexpected problems can cost between $500 and $600, but major repairs can reach $10,000 or more.
Regular Maintenance and Repairs Can Save You Money
Staying on top of routine maintenance will keep your vehicle in better shape overall. It’ll also reduce the need for repairs and lower your odds of facing costly, unanticipated issues. So, your best bet is to refer to your owner’s manual so you know what to do and when to do it.
When you find a mechanic you can trust, you’ll have the help you need to keep your ride on the road.
Distrust in Mechanics High
According to ConsumerAffairs, 78% of motorists say they don’t always believe their mechanic. Meanwhile, 69% say whether or not they trust their mechanic depends on the mechanic, and 9% say they never trust these professionals under any circumstances.
You can find a good mechanic by asking around and checking reviews. In fact, it might be time to start looking for a new one if you hear any of these 13 phrases some mechanics use to inflate your repair bill.
“You Require a Full System Flush”
Have you heard this statement before? While it’s true that your vehicle’s transmission fluid, coolant, or brake fluid should be changed periodically, some mechanics will recommend doing it sooner than necessary. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual. And keep records whenever you get work done so you can check and see if you’re due for a system flush.
“You Need an Alignment”
Another statement a mechanic might make to get you to dig deeper into your pocket is that your alignment is off. An alignment is usually only required if an accident warrants it or your tires have significant uneven wear. So, while alignments are sometimes necessary, some mechanics might recommend them just to inflate your bill.
“Your Air Filter Should Be Replaced”
Some mechanics recommend replacing air filters at intervals that don’t align with the carmaker’s recommendations. While a replacement won’t cost too much, why get it done more often than is necessary?
“You Need a Complete Brake Job”
If you maintain your braking system, you may only need to replace the brake pads annually. But some mechanics, trying to squeeze as much out of you as possible, might insist on replacing not just the brake pads but also the rotors and the calipers.
“You’re Due for a New Timing Belt”
Virginia Tire & Auto says timing belts usually should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you keep good records of car maintenance and repairs, check to see when the last time you changed the timing belt was. Symptoms of a failing timing belt include a ticking sound coming from the engine, an oil leak close to the motor, or an engine that won’t turn over, according to SCR Performance.
If you’re not due for this service based on the owner’s manual and aren’t experiencing issues, a mechanic should be able to show you why it’s necessary.
“Your Cabin Filter is Clogged”
Cabin filters only need to be changed ever so often. What you’ll want to do is see what your owner’s manual has to say. You can politely decline the offer if your mechanic’s recommendation conflicts with what the car manufacturer says.
“The Battery is Weak and Should Be Replaced”
Ira Toyota of Danvers says you can expect your car’s battery to last three to five years. Batteries can lose some of their capacity over the years. But even a battery that’s not at 100% capacity after a few years should be okay. You’ll want to stay on top of things so it doesn’t degrade too much. However, there’s no need to replace your battery prematurely.
“You Should Replace Your Timing Chain”
A timing chain, unlike a timing belt, will typically last the life of the car. The chances are you don’t have to replace your timing chain. If for whatever reason your timing chain is damaged, the odds are there are underlying problems that need to be looked at, too.
“Your Wiper Blades Need Replacing”
While wiper blades need to be replaced periodically, that’s an easy enough job to do yourself. You can buy them and put them on without paying a mechanic to do it for you.
“We Found a Leak in Your Exhaust System”
If your mechanic recommends replacing your exhaust system, ask if it can’t be repaired instead. Unless it’s falling apart, you can usually weld or do other things to fix an exhaust.
“We Recommend Synthetic Oil for Your Engine”
Another way mechanics sometimes try to up your repair bill is by recommending synthetic engine oil. It’s not a bad idea to switch to synthetic oil, and it might be the best option for higher-mileage engines. That said, it should be up to you whether to upgrade to synthetic oil.
“Your Spark Plugs Look Worn”
Spark plugs typically last a long time. If your mechanic recommends replacing them sooner rather than later, you may want to ask why this is the case. Unless you’re experiencing issues related to the spark plugs, you should hold off and follow the owner’s manual’s replacement interval.
“The Car Has a Slight Misfire”
A slight misfire can often be fixed by changing the spark plugs, ignition coils, or both. But some mechanics might recommend extensive engine repairs—insisting that doing otherwise could jeopardize your engine.
Beware of These 13 Phrases
If you hear any of these statements from your mechanic, your ears should perk up. Your mechanic isn’t necessarily lying to you. But it’s definitely time to ask some questions and get some answers.
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