As a car owner, you’ll run into unexpected problems that need repaired sooner rather than later. Typically, the dash will send out a warning with the check engine alert at a moment when you’re least prepared to afford what will likely be a hefty cost.
Most mechanical issues are expensive with many people hesitant to find out the end cost when their car sputters or stalls. If you don’t have an emergency fund or savings, it can mean pulling money from monthly obligations but that can put you in severe financial difficulty.
With regular maintenance, car owners will have less likelihood of being without transportation or cycling into debt due to greater-than-average repair costs. Preparing in advance before becoming overwhelmed will mean you can rest easy when it’s time to take the car to the shop.
Tips On Planning for Car Repairs and Maintenance Ahead of Incidents
Before the dreaded breakdown, a car owner should be prepared for instances when the car might need a repair or when it’s time for preventive car maintenance. You can finance the cost instead of being left with a hefty auto bill. Please see this website for details on car repair financial solutions.
In addition, other possibilities can help make the expense affordable. Planning ahead will ensure you always have adequate transportation with minimal threat of disrepair or breakdown. Here are ideas for resolving the auto problems without incurring financial hardship.
· A personal loan
A personal loan is an ideal method for paying for auto expenses without dipping into other monthly expenses, creating a cycle of debt. Personal loans are available with online platforms, traditional banking institutions, or credit unions, with most supplying online application processes.
These solutions supply a lump sum payout upfront deposited into your personal banking account either the same day or within 24 hours. With personal loans, the funds can be used for virtually any purpose with most lending agencies meaning these are acceptable for most car repairs.
You must qualify for the loan amount to cover the parts and labor. With a personal loan the debt would be repaid with a fixed interest rate in equal monthly installments for a predetermined term.
A personal loan usually has a lower interest rate with a shorter term than most loan products and less than it would cost to pay for auto repairs out of pocket.
· Credit cards
In many situations, people will opt to use a credit card to resolve auto repair emergencies or to pay for maintenance services. The idea of having a credit card for emergency situations is a good idea. Still, it shouldn’t be the first-choice financial solution since these often come with a considerable interest rate.
That’s unless you’re able to obtain a no-interest credit card for an introductory period. If you can pay for an emergency repair on a card with a promotional period and can repay the balance before the deadline it would be well worth it.
The thing to remember is after that introductory period the credit card will jump to a standard high interest with attached fees and charges. From that point if you use it for car repairs or maintenance it’s important to be selective.
But if it means the difference between being able to get to your job or losing it, you’ll opt for using the card. The only restriction when having the vehicle maintained will be your credit limit. That can mean paying the remainder out of pocket.
· Manufacturer service contracts
Manufacturers offer optional auto maintenance contracts sold by the dealers directly, manufacturers, or even third-party suppliers. You can buy these when you purchase the vehicle or can even request one after a purchase, whether the car is an older vehicle with high mileage or new.
These contracts offer more comprehensive coverage than most will find with warranty programs, whether a major fix like an engine replacement or a simple issue, including the loss of air conditioning. The service contract won’t cover standard maintenance or cosmetics, nor does it deal with regular wear and tear.
Some of these will also have a few exclusions whether particular parts not included or circumstances that the plan won’t handle.
These are explicit making you as the car owner responsible for an out-of-pocket expense with certain repairs. In that same vein, these plans will often offer bonus coverages, including “rental, towing, and roadside assistance.”
· Alternative insurance
With this insurance, specific mechanical breakdown repairs are covered. Damages to your vehicles from incidents that the typical auto coverage won’t cover will often be handled with this insurance.
If you have an accident, standard insurance will handle the charges but if you have an incident where the engine combusts with no instigation, this insurance will consider the costs. Typically, the coverage involves:
- Transmission
- Electrical
- Brakes
- Oil pump
- Valves
- Timing gears
The coverage is not available for preventive servicing or normal wear and tear. With some insurance carriers, the “fuel system, steer, and air conditioning are considered.” You will need to pay a deductible before the coverage will be available but only some cars are accepted.
You can purchase these policies for a new vehicle or an auto with mileage determined by the policy.
Negotiating The Cost of Car Repairs
Whether paying for the auto repairs or maintenance with a loan or out of pocket, the less the repairs are, the less expense you’ll have overall. That will mean comparing service providers and communicating upfront to negotiate the price point. Click here for options for funding car repairs.
If you need to satisfy a warranty, go to a few authorized repair specialists to get the most competitive rates. In the same vein as a DIY fix, you can choose “non-manufacturer or OEM” parts for a lower price. Some worn or broken parts can wait to be replaced.
Often, if you explain your financial circumstances to a mechanic, the specialist will work at cost or will do enough to make the car “roadworthy” until you’re able to save more to do added work.
The key to avoiding expensive repairs is to have the auto serviced routinely. That’s not a guarantee you won’t need to make repairs at some point.
However, adequate servicing allows the mechanics to detect potential defects, damage and note worn parts and fluid shortages, allowing the professional to make the necessary corrections before these turn into unexpected problems or the car breaks down.
When the auto is current on its maintenance schedule, repair bills can be staved off since all fluids are replaced, the oil is changed, the car is kept clean, and the vehicle overall remains clean and cared for.
Servicing comes with costs, but the investment is worthwhile to ensure an extended lifespan for the car and save from possible unexpected repairs and overall associated stress levels.
Establish Dedicated Savings for Auto Care and Maintenance
Contributing to an emergency fund or a dedicated savings account can be difficult when monthly obligations consume your income. Still the objective is to consider car care and maintenance as a monthly obligation by putting roughly 10 percent into a dedicated fund if a problem arises.
By doing this you can develop enough not only to possibly pay for repairs out of pocket but if the vehicle is found to be irreparable, you could have enough to put down to buy a different car.
You won’t miss the money from your paycheck if you designate a specific amount to be automatically deposited into a dedicated account. This fund can be used for anything relating to the car whether you need new tires, routine service, if the air conditioning goes out, you want to add cosmetic changes, and on.
Final Thoughts
If your car is too expensive to fix and you have difficulty selling it due to its issue, you can get an unsecured personal loan to buy a used or new vehicle. Many people prefer to use personal loans for financing since typical car loans come with high interest and expect the vehicle to secure the loan.
If it comes to a point where you can’t make the payments the loan provider will seize the car to sell it to recover the loss. You would then be without a vehicle.
A personal loan comes with a lower interest rate with no collateral needed. The interest is fixed with equal monthly installments for a predetermined period. It’s an ideal choice when you need a vehicle in a hurry.