Tips to save money on pricey car repairs

Have a vehicle in need of repair but unsure of how to save the most money?

Car repairs can be expensive, especially with no insider advice. Fortunately, we've compiled money saving tips from mechanics themselves, from Grismer Tire and Sevoian Cycles. Here are the top five:

Maintenance is key

The most important part of being a car owner is keeping up with the routine maintenance. Make sure to keep fluids in balance, align the tires, check the treads on the tires and check to see if the vehicle gets proper oil changes and tire rotations. Routine maintenance will increase the lifespan of a car dramatically and it will point out any potential future problems.

Compare those prices

Shop around! An article in the Oxford Press mentions RepairPal.com. RepairPal offers a cost estimate for repair and labor based on the zipcode, suspected problem and car's make and model. Just because one car costs $400, another may cost $1000. Makes of cars and engine types can allow for dramatic price differences.

Forget about the dealership

If you're not under warranty from your dealer, you aren't obligated to go back for service. If they offer great service for a great price than definitely go back... but if the price is high, see the above tip and shop around! If the vehicle is an older model, it is known that dealers can pump your tires up, but not all the way, or even influence you to buy a newer car and trade in your older one. Not always the case, but this is an insider tip.

Use coupons

Who knew there are plenty of coupons for cars going around online? Many local shops have coupons for repairs floating around the web. Many other repair deals can be found in newspapers and even phone books. For example, Grismer Tire offers a coupon for a year of free oil changes with the purchase of four tires. The savings? $200.

Chat with the mechanic

Last but not least, talk with your mechanic. The mechanic is not there to frighten you, he is there to answer any of your questions. The And, he knows a lot more about your vehicle than you do. So talk with him. Ask him questions about your car, and ask him questions about his mechanic experience. Try to stay away from the salespeople, they are there to sell you new services that are unnecessary.

Unsure about a repair? Ask to check out the mechanic's report which will show details on how your car compares with dealer's maintanance specifications. Building a relationship with your mechanic will more likely than not grant you several perks and discounts on your next repair.