6 Ways to Save Money on Car Repairs

About a month ago, someone stole the lens cover off of the daytime running lamp of my 2002 Jetta. That's right, apparently when a car is sitting underneath a security light, far away from other cars, in a large parking lot with security cameras, that means, "Harvest my parts, please." We know it was stolen since the lens cover was completely MIA, with no scratches or broken pieces, and the light bulb (which plugs into the lens cover, mind you) was still dangling from the car. Security video confirmed our suspicions, but though we filed a report we were unable to find our thief or recoup our lens cover.

Which meant that my husband and I were now tasked with finding a replacement part for a make of automobile that is notorious for telling you to visit your (super expensive) dealership. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my Volkswagen for the world, but I also won't be taken at the dealership, either.

So how does one save money on auto parts, which are notoriously expensive? Here are six practices that my husband and I have been doing for years, and which have saved us quite the pretty penny.

1. Visit junkyards. Junkyards are great repositories of car parts, but you do have to be willing to look. I recommend calling ahead to see if they have similar cars in their yard (knowing about your car helps, too; for example, our 2002 Jetta can use parts from VW Jettas between the model years of 2000 through mid-2005, since between those years no major changes were made to the body style). While many cars may be on the slightly smushy side, you can often find small pieces for only a few bucks (which is especially helpful when you are looking for something weird, like one of the plastic pieces that controls airflow from your heat/AC vents).
2. Purchase parts from discount stores and wholesalers. We found our lens cover at Bumper Warehouse out of St. Paul. Another store we frequent for mechanical parts is St. Paul Park Auto Parts. While you may not live near the frigid Minnesota tundra, chances are that your metropolitan area has a number of similar stores that carry discounted auto parts. If all else fails, there are several online dealers that can save you money and ship the part(s) right to your front door.
3. Do the dirty work yourself. Many people are afraid to work on their cars, and with today's highly-computerized vehicles, I often don't blame them. That said, there are often small things you can do yourself, from replacing light bulbs and lens covers to putting on a new muffler. Many vehicle repair guides can be found at your local library (free!) or for a nominal fee at your local parts store. If all else fails, a simple Web search will generally turn up tips from others who have performed the same task on the same car before.
4. Bring the parts to your mechanic. If you are unable to complete the work yourself, save yourself money by purchasing your part elsewhere (see numbers one and two above) and bringing it to your place of repair. Auto shops will generally tack on fees to the same parts, costing you at times twice as much, and you will save money on labor since the mechanic won't have to call around looking for a part if (s)he doesn't have it in stock.
5. Perform general maintenance. This seems like it would be a no-brainer, but I'm always surprised at the number of people who let oil changes slide and don't follow the preventative maintenance plan set forth by their owner's manual. By performing general care for your car (oil changes, checking fluid levels and tire pressure, having the car serviced at major mileage milestones) you can generally avoid more expensive repairs that will crop up if you don't.
6. Drive and park safely. This is my number one tip. By driving safely, you can avoid many accidents that may have occurred due to tailgating, inattentive driving, etc. It can be hard to drive defensively, but my big concern isn't my driving but the driving of others around me. And by parking at the end of lots and not next to other cars, I not only reduce my chance of door dings and scratches but I also get extra exercise (thus helping me work out and simultaneously save money on a gym membership). 

Our car may not be the newest of the new, but we treat it like it is, and because of that our now-nine-year-old car would still be mistaken for new one had Volkswagen not changed the body style. When things do malfunction, as automobile parts are wont to do, we do save as much money as possible by employing the tips above.