As any car owner quickly learns, car repairs are a fact of life. But The Motor Bookstore doesn’t want you spending a small fortune just to keep your car on the road. That’s why we’ve compiled five ways to save serious money on car repairs the next time you need work done.

1. Do as much of your own work as possible

As long as you have a good vehicle manual and a space to work in, you can learn to do a lot of basic maintenance and repairs. Changing your own oil, filters, tires, fluids, headlights and brakes will save you hundreds of dollars in labor costs while reducing the chances of major failures in the future.

2. Find good repair shops and mechanics

Be selective about who you bring your car to for work. Read reviews, talk to friends, or even visit a shop to see how things work there. Good shops should be ASE certified, clean, have good parts and labor guarantees, and get customers in and out quickly. Getting good work done now will save money later on.

3. Shop around

Even if you’ve found a repair shop you like, feel free to get a second opinion, especially if something seems suspicious. Get estimates that are separated by parts and labor so you can compare prices elsewhere. You can often get big discounts on parts online and also find an estimate of what a repair should cost.

4. Take advantage of warranties

Paying a little more for an extended or lifetime warranty now can pay big dividends if you have to use it. For example, alignment warranties can save you a bundle in the long run, especially if you live an area with heavy traffic or rough roads.

5. Review your bill before paying

Don’t let a repair shop sneak one by you. Make sure you haven’t been double-billed for parts or labor, that the total isn’t way larger than the estimate, and that unneeded repairs aren’t listed. Asking for your old parts back before they begin is a great way to keep things above board.

Looking for more ways to save serious money on car repairs? Check out our blogs on rebuilding an engine on a budget and DIY farm tractor repairs.