Car repair: How to save money
Many motorists do not know that there are ways to save on repairs and the purchase of spare parts – without compromising on quality. However, there are a few things to consider.
It is well known that independent workshops often offer lower hourly rates and cheaper parts. Many car manufacturers have reacted to this by offering their own parts and service lines for cars aged four and over. Such parts are often available for the most common wear repairs on brakes, clutches or exhausts. Customers should ask specifically for it - up to 30 percent can be saved here.
Safety must be guaranteed for spare parts
Vehicle manufacturers as well as suppliers and independent parts suppliers offer so-called replacement parts. Individual assemblies such as alternators, gearboxes or starters are refurbished. However, only those componentsthat are really worn out are renewed.
Savings can also be made with used parts that come from an old or accident car. If the same warranty is offered as a new part and it is not a safety-related part, this may well be an option.
yuryRumovsky/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Buy replacement parts only from well-known suppliers
Terms such as identical parts or original quality are often used in publications. However, these are usually not found on the packaging in the parts trade. In addition, these terms are not associated with neutral tests, so the consumer does not know exactly what quality he is buying.
The ADAC advises only buying spare parts from reliable sources and from well-known suppliers. And: If the price advantage is greater than 30 percent, you should be particularly careful.
DuxX/Thinkstock/iStock
Workshops can also provide experts
Expensive electronic control units can often also be repaired. Workshops can often provide experts for this and take over the inspection of the environment as well as the removal and reinstallation of the control unit in advance. The savings potential is up to 80 percent.
Tyre repair is also an option in the event of certain damage to the tread. It should also be checked whether consumers can still claim a warranty after buying a tyre.
Professional aluminium tyre repair is also worthwhile.
Vasyl Dolmatov/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Smart Repair: Efficient car repair for a flawless appearance
Smart Repair, short for "Small to Medium Area Repair Technology", is a modern repair method that specifically repairs minor damage to vehicles in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. Smart techniques such as paint-friendly dent removal techniques and selective repair coatings can effectively repair damage to glass, upholstery, leather or plastics.
The great advantage lies in the avoidance of expensive parts exchanges and the associated increase in the value of the vehicle.
Sensible use of Smart Repair
Smart Repair is particularly worthwhile for frequent drivers and those who want to return or sell their leased vehicle. Thanks to the low cost and the possibility of presenting the vehicle in pristine condition, a higher sales price can be achieved. However, the success of Smart Repair is influenced by the individual damage and the skill of the repair professional.
Important steps before the Smart-Repair repair
Before a Smart Repair repair, a few points should be considered:
- Choose a company specialising in Smart Repair.
- Compare several providers and examine refurbished vehicles.
- Get a quote for the planned work.
- Document the damage photographically beforehand.
Versatile repair options with Smart-Repair
Smart Repair offers a wide range of repair options for various damages. Here are some examples and their limitations:
| Type of damage | Repair method and limitations | Cost (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor paint damage | Spot painting: Limited to small areas, out of sight. | From 40-80 Euro |
| Scratched plastics | Repair with metal mesh and plastic: Difficult with longer cracks. | From 50 Euro |
| Small dents in the sheet metal | Reformation: Depends on paint condition and craftsmanship. | From 30-100 Euro |
| Dashboard | Repair with plastics: Depends on structural strength. | From 30-50 Euro |
| Textiles and leather | Reinforcement and Color Matching: Limited by damage and binding. | From 10-30 euros (textile), three-digit range (leather) |
| Stone chip damage | Resin Glue Repair: Limited by damage type and size. | From 50 Euro |
Smart Repair offers an economical and efficient way to repair minor damage to the car and maintain its value. From paint damage to plastic repairs to the removal of dents – the method enables a wide range of repairs. It is advisable to obtain various quotes before repairing and rely on expert knowledge to achieve the best results.
jacoblund/iStock/Getty Images
Order of the workshop always in writing!
Car owners should always place the repair order in writing. This also applies if subsequent changes occur in the course of the repair or additional repairs are necessary. "The order should list the mileage and license plate, the contact details of the client, the date of acceptance, the exact measures to be taken, possibly a cost cap and the expected date of completion," says D.A.S. expert Michaela Rassat. If the workshop acts within the scope of the warranty because it has not previously carried out a repair professionally, this should also be included in the order. Because then the repair is free of charge.
Source: D.A.S. Legal protection of ERGO