by Linsey Knerl

It’s one of life’s more major purchases, and unfortunately, it’s only the beginning of the money you’ll spend on it during its useful lifetime.  We’re talking your car--and with so many things that can go wrong--it’s better to be prepared on how you’ll pay for a repair before you’ll need it.

You know it’s just a matter of time before you’ll need something done to your car, truck, or SUV--and chances are good that it’ll cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars!  What can you do to minimize the cost?  Check out these handy tools for getting a grip on your car costs:

Use the CarMD.com Diagnostic Tool

Looking to diagnose your car’s problems on your own?  You can--with an affordable tool similar to what car repair shops own.  The CarMD diagnostic tool hooks right up to your vehicle’s connector and then gives you a complete report of what’s going on with your car. Use this diagnostic tool to know exactly what’s going on with your car so you won’t be taken at your next repair appointment, or get your money’s worth by using it to regularly perform your own pre-trip inspections and smog checks!  (Plus we love that it can diagnose a used car before you sign and drive.)  It’s available from CarMD.com for around $100.

Visit Your Auto Supply Store

Avoid an unnecessary trip to the repair shop by taking your car to the nearest major auto supply store.

Freaked out by the “check engine” light that has suddenly popped up on your dash?  Not sure if it’s reason for alarm, or just an electrical glitch?  You can avoid an unnecessary trip to the repair shop by taking your car to the nearest major auto supply store.  Retailers like O’Reilly’s, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and Advanced Auto will come out to your car with their diagnostic tool kit and can translate what your car is trying to tell you.  In addition to diagnostics, they will let you borrow tools secured with a credit card (which won’t be charged or will be refunded upon return of the tools).  Since most of these tools can cost in the hundreds of dollars, that is a great deal!  Other services available for no charge at auto supply stores include free battery testing, alternator checks, and starter diagnosis.

Use the Best Car-Related Websites

As with just about everything--from finding the best coupons and deals to finding the cheapest books--the web can be an excellent source for saving money on your car. Here are some of the best websites for saving money on car repairs:

RepairPal.com: This nifty website lets you enter in the make, model, and year of your car to get a list of common problems that affect your vehicle.  In addition to getting the average price for a repair in your area, you’ll get a breakdown of how much of the cost is parts and how much is labor.  That will come in handy when it comes time to take your car into a shop because you’ll know if you’re getting a fair deal.  In addition, the website provides additional tips related to your specific car repair (like what add-ons may be suggested, and what related issues may be waiting to be diagnosed.)  RepairPal also comes as a convenient smart phone app, so you can take it with you right into the shop.

DriverSide.com: It never hurts to be informed, and the DriverSide website will arm you with all the info you might need about your particular type of car.  Free site services include automated recall notices, fair and accurate car repair quotes, values for most parts, and answers to your questions from real mechanics.  Just register your car to the website and you’ll have access to a wealth of money-saving info--plus a community of like-minded consumers to help you go the extra mile!

Craigslist.com: Certain that your car will need to be fixed, but still want to avoid paying typical mechanic’s prices?  You might want to consider placing an ad or searching out resources listed on Craigslist.  With the economy leaving many qualified technicians and mechanics out of work, some are more than willing to give you a fair deal on some car repair work, and many will come to you!  Other mechanics find that moonlighting or working on the weekend helps supplement their income (and experience) and will be glad to work on your car for a competitive price.  (Ask for references if you’re unsure about the qualifications of anyone you find online.)

AllDataDIY.com: The car manual subscription service used most by mechanics now has a consumer version, and it’s an excellent resource for the enthusiastic DIY’er who wants to give repairing their own car a decent try. With one annual subscription fee, you get access to your vehicle’s service bulletins, to detailed user and repair manuals, and to info on parts--giving you virtually everything you need to do your own repairs (provided you’re mechanically inclined and have all the right tools.)  Although this method of car repair takes the most patience--and muscle--it’s perfect for anyone who likes to dabble in the shop and save the most money on much-needed repairs.  It’s a DIY’ers dream!

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