When most people bring their vehicles to a mechanic for car repair, they often take the bill for parts and labor as is. At Car Doctors in Savage, Minnesota, the mechanics are committed to not only providing high-quality automotive repair services but also offering the best deals in town, including the ability to negotiate car repair estimates.

Whether your car needs engine repair, new brake pads, or an oil change, there is always room to negotiate. Here are five tips for saving money on car repairs from the friendly and knowledgeable mechanics at Car Doctors:

• Get A Written Estimate: Before you make any decisions, get a written quote that includes a detailed parts estimate, labor costs, miscellaneous shop charges, flat fees, and taxes. Scrutinize the estimate to determine if there are areas where you can negotiate, such as on the labor hours or car parts costs.

• Shop For Aftermarket Parts: Most of the time, the mechanic uses the original equipment manufacturer parts that were designed specifically for your vehicle. However, many third-party companies make parts you can use interchangeably. Search online for cheaper auto parts. Used or rebuilt parts are another less expensive option.

• Know Your Car: Don’t walk into a car repair shop and ask if you need a tuneup or tire rotation. If you don’t know what services your car needs and when, you’re vulnerable to accepting any fixes the mechanic suggests, even if it’s an unnecessary one.

• Secure A Second Estimate: To be more confident in the negotiation process, get a second itemized written estimate from another car repair shop. When you discuss the costs with your preferred mechanic, present your competing estimate and ask if they can match any of their lower rates.

• Negotiate Before Any Work Begins: You must begin the negotiating process before the mechanic has started any work. This is the time to haggle labor rates and shop markups. If you can’t agree on a final price, feel free to take your business elsewhere.

Your best negotiation tactic is to be an informed consumer. For more information about the services offered by the mechanics at Car Doctors, from engine light diagnosis and car suspension repair to transmission replacement and engine repair, visit the website. Call the best car repair shop in Savage, Minnesota, at (952) 688-1419 to schedule an appointment.