How to Save Money on Car Repairs

1. Follow Your Vehicle's Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Sticking to the automaker's recommended maintenance schedule can keep your car running smoothly and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Routine maintenance you should follow includes:

• Regular inspections: If your state doesn't require annual vehicle inspections, your car ideally should be checked out at least once a year by a qualified technician to see if any problems have come up.
• Replacement of parts and fluids: Oil, brake fluid, air filters and the battery are among the items that may need to be replaced when your car has been inspected. More serious issues might need to be taken care of as well, such as worn-out tires. A well-maintained set of tires should last about 50,000 miles.

Consult your vehicle's manual for clear instructions on how and when to maintain your vehicle.

2. Perform Basic Maintenance Yourself

To cut down on repair costs, consider doing DIY maintenance on your car. For instance, you might be able to replace filters, bulbs and windshield wipers; check fluid levels; and inspect belts and hoses. In some cases, you may be able to fix issues that arise without taking your car to a repair shop.

If you're not confident about performing car maintenance, you can teach yourself by watching some of the many DIY videos on YouTube or elsewhere online.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

To get the best deal, reach out to several repair shops to get estimates of how much it would cost to fix the issue with your car.

But don't just settle on price when choosing a repair shop. For instance, you should find out what types of parts the shop uses and read online reviews of every shop you contact. In addition, contact the dealership where you bought your car to see whether a warranty might cover needed repairs.

4. Use Independent Mechanics

Independent mechanics, rather than repair shop chains or dealerships, might charge lower prices for parts and labor than bigger repair businesses because they typically have less overhead. This can particularly pay off if you own an older car that may cost more to repair than a newer car does.

Before doing business with an independent mechanic, seek recommendations from friends, relatives and colleagues, and read online reviews. While an independent mechanic might be the cheapest option, it might not always be the best option.

5. Buy Your Own Parts

Some repair shops might let you buy your own parts for them to install in your car. Of course, you also could purchase parts for DIY repairs. Either way, you may be able to decrease the cost of a car repair project by supplying parts that you bought.

You can purchase car parts from auto parts stores or online sellers. Just be sure you're buying well-made parts that are suitable for your car.

6. Ask for Used, Refurbished or Aftermarket Parts

Generally, used, refurbished or aftermarket car parts are cheaper than new parts. So, before you let a repair shop or mechanic start fixing your car, find out whether these types of parts are available.

In many cases, when you take your car to a dealership, mechanics there will rely on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. As the name suggests, these parts come from the original maker and might be pricier than aftermarket parts, which don't come from the automaker or one of its suppliers. The quality of OEM and aftermarket parts may vary, but typically there's not much difference between the two.

7. Try to Negotiate

Try giving price negotiation a shot. Before heading to a shop for car repairs, look online to find the estimated expense for fixing your car, such as replacing the brake pads. This will arm you with ammunition for negotiation.

In some situations, a dealership or repair shop won't budge on the price. But others might be willing to give you a break. For example, you might be able to score a loyalty discount if you use a certain dealership or shop for all of your car repairs.

Also, look into whether the dealership or repair shop is offering a coupon or promotion on certain repairs. If you're a member of AAA, you're eligible for a 10% discount (up to $50) at AAA-approved auto repair businesses.

8. Build a Relationship With a Trusted Mechanic

Doing business with a trusted mechanic can pay off.

For instance, your mechanic might serve as a dependable advisor who can suggest lower-price aftermarket parts or recommend bundling several repairs to trim labor expenses. You may not enjoy these and other cost-saving benefits if you don't forge a relationship with a reliable, honest mechanic.

9. Consider the Car Brand

In 2025, Consumer Reports published a wide range of repair costs for various car brands. To name a few examples, Consumer Reports found the 10-year maintenance and repair costs for a Tesla stood at $5,050, compared with $5,500 for a Toyota, $5,950 for a Ford, $6,130 for a Honda, $13,100 for a Mercedes-Benz and $17,450 for a Land Rover.

So, if you're concerned about vehicle maintenance and repair costs, you might be better off buying a car like a Tesla or Toyota instead of a Mercedes-Benz or Land Rover.

The Bottom Line

You might spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year maintaining and repairing your car. But if you seek ways to lower repair costs, such as following a regular maintenance schedule and securing several repair quotes, you may be able to put extra money in your pocket. That's money you could put toward household expenses, vacations or retirement savings, and not toward tires, batteries or brake pads.