An automobile is a major investment that provides you and your family with necessary transportation, day in and day out. However, like most people, you probably worry about car repair costs. At autopom!, we understand how important your car is to your livelihood. Before you get under the hood and become a DIY mechanic, here’s why you should consider a licensed car mechanic.
How Much Do Americans Spend on Car Repairs?
From 2014 to 2019, Americans spent about $2,000 on average on motor vehicle repairs. The amount you spend on car repairs may depend on your age. For example, younger drivers pay the most for car repairs, whereas the 55-and- up crowd spends the least. Repair spending for various age groups breaks down as follows:
- 55 and over: Roughly $1,650
- 45 – 54: Roughly $2,100
- 35 – 44: Roughly $2,000
- 18 -34: Roughly $2,300
Like most people, you want to limit the costs as much as possible. But that shouldn’t mean risking inferior repairs.
How Can You Save Your Wallet from the Pain of Car Repair?
If you do not want to overspend to fix your vehicle, you should seek a mechanic who knows their way around a car.
Use a Licensed Mechanic
Licensed mechanics are serious about their careers. Most have extensive experience and understand the ins and outs of motor vehicles. A licensed car mechanic is not interested in scamming you out of your money. Instead, they have the appropriate tools to avoid damaging your vehicle more. Likewise, they can make accurate diagnostics that save you from future costs.
In addition, an experienced, certified mechanic will protect you both via contract. For example, your contract may include your vehicle’s information, necessary repairs, a quote, and the expected finish date.
(Looking for an experienced mechanic? With an autopom! vehicle protection plan, you can access any of RepairPal’s 2,600+ licensed mechanics across the United States. Contact us to learn more!)
Choose a Vehicle Protection Plan
There are two types of extended vehicle protection options. The first is an extended vehicle warranty. A warranty is sold by vehicle manufacturers and licensed dealers. However, dealerships and independent providers like autopom! sell vehicle protection plans. Our plans cover a portion of your repair costs after your manufacturer’s warranty expires. A vehicle protection plan may also include bonus features like rental car reimbursement, maintenance, roadside assistance, and tire protection.
What Are the Risks Associated with Foregoing a Car Mechanic?
You may know people who say you do not need a car mechanic. They assume if you can read a book or watch a YouTube video, then you can handle the repairs yourself. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When you do not use a professional, experienced mechanic, you are more likely to damage the vehicle or even injure yourself.
Engine Damage
Your engine is one of the most complex components of your vehicle. If your repairs force you to take apart and reassemble the engine, there is a strong chance you will not be able to do it properly. For example, most people have to have their timing belt replaced within their vehicle’s lifespan. If you try to do the replacement yourself, a slight mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.
Another reason to visit a licensed car mechanic is for a radiator repair. Your radiator is an integral part of your car’s cooling system. Without it, your engine could fail.
Additionally, if your engine light comes on and you decide to check under the hood, you could damage your engine just through exploration. Most amateurs do not have the expensive equipment necessary to diagnose an engine problem. Diagnosing issues yourself could also lead to future problems. For example, if your engine light comes on, the fix may be as simple as screwing on your gas cap or as complex as replacing the entire engine. Please don’t risk engine damage by doing-it-yourself. Contact autopom! for a free vehicle protection plan quote.
Windshield Damage
You may think your windshield is among the easiest of all the repairs. After all, various infomercials claim how easy it is to fix the glass. However, cracked and chipped windshields pose a safety hazard, and the repairs can go awry when you don’t have experience. You need to repair a chip or crack as quickly as possible. Ignored chips in the glass can grow and require a new windshield. Likewise, amateur repairs can cause cracks to grow, resulting in the need for a more expensive repair.
Fuel Pump Failure
Your fuel pump is an essential piece of equipment. However, it is also a sensitive and precise component that is expensive to replace. After you see the price to fix this component, you may attempt to do the repairs yourself. If you make a mistake, you may lose your entire car. In the case of a fuel pump repair, the cost is worth keeping your car. To maintain a healthy fuel pump, consult a car mechanic about how quality fuel can extend its life.
Serious Injuries
At an auto shop, the most common injuries include sprains, eye injuries, loss of limbs, and chemical burns. However, auto mechanics have extensive training and understand the importance of safety procedures to prevent accidents from happening. Most amateur DIYers do not have the training or equipment necessary to reduce the risk of injury. Risking your health for vehicle repair isn’t always worth the savings.
Work With autopom! and Find a Car Mechanic
With autopom!, you do not have to fret about every unfamiliar sound your car makes. Instead, you can rest easy knowing that you have coverage to visit a licensed car mechanic for your repairs. If you are not a mechanic by trade, you can give up watching YouTube car repair videos and leave the work to the professionals. To find out more about our protection plans, contact autopom! today.
Sources:
https://www.goliath.com/auto/10-car-repairs-you-should-never-do-yourself/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-consumers-spent-an-average-of-nearly-2-000-on-vehicle-repairs-and-maintenance-in-the-last-five-years-ally-survey-finds-300906402.html
https://www.statista.com/statistics/191653/number-of-licensed-drivers-in-the-us-since-1988
