What to Do When You Can’t Afford Car Repairs

In the hustle and bustle of life, cars help us in more ways than we realize. They provide freedom, save us time and give us the opportunity to be more productive. However, there’s no doubt that they’re expensive. From filling up your tank to paying for insurance, costs can add up quickly. Plus, if your hood starts to smoke, sunroof leaks or battery needs replacing, it’s not going to be cheap. You could end up paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. While we hope this never happens to you, anything’s possible out on the open road. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of easy tips to help get you through these unexpected expenditures.

Check Your Warranty

Did you purchase your vehicle from a dealership? If so, your warranty may cover the issue, especially if it’s caused by a factory defect. Even if this is not the case, some reputable dealers may give you a discount. It never hurts to call and see if there’s anything they can do.

Do It Yourself or Ask a Friend

If there’s no warranty on your car, you may be able to fix the repair yourself. Depending on the issue, there are a ton of DIY tutorials that can walk you through how to complete simple repairs. For example, oil changes and headlight bulbs are common services that people complete at home. You could also ask a handy friend to show you the ropes. Plus, in this day and age, you can easily find used car parts online. Before succumbing to over-inflated service costs, do a quick search to find out if you or a friend can knock it out.

Shop Around for the Lowest Price

If your vehicle is no longer under warranty and you’re unable to fix it, start chatting with local auto repair shops. Keep in mind that some may charge more. Before you make any decisions, get multiple quotes. That way, you can compare pricing and make a choice based on the best offer. Some shops may even have deals, such as AAA or senior discounts. You never know until you ask!

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy about asking questions. If you’re forced to pay for repairs, make sure that you’re at least receiving quality parts. That way, you can be confident knowing that the repair will hold up. Additionally, check to see if the business offers a repair warranty. Some auto shops will cover you for one to three years if anything goes wrong after the repair.

Apply for a Personal Loan

If your car is out of warranty, the repair is too complicated to be done at home or you can’t find a deal with any local shops, Heights Finance is here to help. Our personal loans can help cover the cost of car repair and alleviate your stress. Plus, you can pay off the loan in small amounts over many months, rather than taking on the entire cost all at once. So, if you’re struggling to find an affordable car repair solution, give us a call. Our team is here to take worries off your mind and put more money in your pocket.