Top 10 most expensive mistakes in car repair

1. Neglecting to change oil and filters and other simple maintenance

Ignoring simple preventative maintenance, like changing oil and filters or failing to make minor car repairs today, could mean thousands of dollars in auto repair bills tomorrow. There are some simple, but important, repairs and maintenance tasks car owners can do on their own – or have a mechanic perform at an affordable price – before these minor fixes become major repairs. For instance, neglecting to change the oil and filter periodically will increase contaminants and shorten the engine life. In the worst case scenario, it could mean an engine replacement. The do-it-yourself cost for an oil and filter change is approximately $25 on a 2005 Toyota Camry, and at the shop, costs approximately $65. An engine replacement on that same car would cost more than $4,000!    

2. Not asking for your parts back

If you have a mechanic replace something on your car, make sure to ask for your old part back. Additionally, ask that the old part be placed in the box for the new part. This confirms the old part was removed and the new part installed. Unfortunately, there are some unethical mechanics who may try to charge you for work not done correctly, and it could end up costing you double if you have to pay for the repair all over again. Asking for your parts back will help ensure that the mechanic is being held accountable for doing the repair, and will also give you that added peace of mind and confirmation that the part replacement and work were done to your car.

3. Failing to communicate with your mechanic

The better you're able to communicate your car's symptoms, the easier it is for the mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. Write down what you hear, feel, see, and smell before you arrive and keep a log of exactly when the symptoms occur (for instance, when you're braking or when you're driving over a certain speed), and share this with your mechanic. Also, note the location and frequency of the symptoms, and if any repairs were done on the vehicle recently. Sometimes a problem is related to the last repair. Go online to a website, such as AutoMd.com, which can help you diagnose your car’s problem and see a list of questions your mechanic might ask.

4. Driving on bald or under inflated tires

Some car owners may be driving on tires that have not been properly maintained, perhaps because they have not thought to check their tires or perhaps because they don’t have the time or money to get them checked. Being aware of your tires can save you a significant amount of money. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your tires, meaning fewer tire replacements. Plus, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. By contrast, driving on bald tires can lead to blowouts, expensive damage to other components of your car, or an accident.    

5. Telling your mechanic what to replace

Assuming you know what’s wrong with your vehicle could lead to needless repair and more money out of your pocket. For example, you may be convinced that your car needs new spark plugs or an engine tuneup, when you really need the MAF (mass air flow) sensor cleaned. If you tell your mechanic to replace the spark plugs instead of asking him to diagnose the problem, he will do it and charge you for it, leaving you with the same unresolved issue. 

6. Taking your car into the shop for simple repairs you can do yourself

Even those who have never attempted an auto repair can perform certain repairs with very little guidance. Some of the easiest car repairs you can (and should) do yourself include replacing your wiper blades, replacing a light bulb, even replacing a fuse and an air filter. There are plenty of online resources and how-to guidesthat can guide you on exactly what to do. Sometimes, you can walk into an auto parts store, purchase a part, and a staff member might be able to walk you through the job in the parking lot, if it’s easy enough. These jobs just may provide a stepping stone and the courage you need to attempt even more of your own car repairs, which can lead to more savings.  

 

7. Ignoring symptoms

Never ignore a persistent symptom with your car. Paying attention to your car’s symptoms could not only help you identify a major problem and avoid potentially serious safety issues, but it can also help you save a lot of money. Sometimes, the cause of a symptom is a problem with a simple fix, but if ignored, could result in a more complex issue. For instance, if your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, the tire pressure may be low in one of the front tires. The simple fix could be removing a nail and patching the tire. Ignoring this symptom could lead to a flat tire and an accident. Also, never ignore your check engine light, thinking the car is running fine. Your fuel efficiency could be reduced by as much as 40 percent because of a faulty oxygen sensor.

8. Driving on fumes

Gone are the days when cars had mechanical fuel pumps and carburetors – unless you drive a car made in the 1970s or '80s. When cars had carburetors, you could drive them until all the gas was gone, refuel, and drive again with no problem. However, most fuel-injected engines rely on in-tank electric pumps that use the gas to cool and lubricate their components. Driving your fuel-injected engine frequently on fumes could cause the pump to fail, leading to a very costly repair.

9. Going to a dealership when an independent mechanic will do

It’s hard to know when you should take your car to the dealership for service, and when you can opt to visit a local independent mechanic. If you don’t think there is a difference in cost, consider this: On average, car owners save an estimated $300-plus a year  by opting for an independent repair shop versus the car dealership. In some cases, the dealership service center can make more sense for recalls, warranty work, or very complex repair issues. For many jobs, however, finding the right independent repair shop and utilizing it can save you hundreds of dollars. Don't worry that you might lose your warranty. That's a myth. 

10. Not comparing shops and price quotes

When it comes to a major auto repair, get a second opinion … and a third and fourth. If you are quoted a price that seems high, shop around. Comparing shops and prices can also help you avoid being charged for unnecessary repairs. Before authorizing work, go online to research various repair shops to read reviews, get ratings, etc., and call to get several quotes over the phone. In a nationwide analysis of repair shops by AutoMD.com, mystery shoppers uncovered dramatically different price quotes for the same repair job on the same vehicle. Furthermore, the mystery shoppers were able to shave on average nearly 14 percent from the quoted estimate given by the majority of the shops by countering with online information, such as specific "fair" job estimates based on labor rates and labor hours required, as well as true parts cost. 

Read more :-

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0521/Top-10-most-expensive-mistakes-in-car-repair/Neglecting-to-change-oil-and-filters-and-other-simple-maintenance