Why are Millennials Paying More Car Repair Costs?
Car repairs are expensive. Yet, for some Americans, those auto repair costs may be significantly higher. A new Ally Bank survey conducted by Harris Poll examined car repair costs. They found that the average American spent a little under $2,000 over the last five years on vehicle maintenance and repairs. Yet, millennials spent more than drivers over the age of 55-years-old.
Millennials and Generation Zers include anyone between the ages of 18 and 34. According to the survey, this group paid an average of $2,334 over five years. Senior drivers over the age of 55 paid an average of $1,654.
Why Are Millennials Paying More for Car Repairs?
There are two issues that contribute to the higher cost of car repairs for millennials.
- Millennials are more likely to own older cars.
- Millennials are more likely to have longer commutes.
Older Americans often have a higher disposable income. This income is often used to buy newer vehicles with fewer repair costs. Younger drivers are often struggling to buy their first homes and pay down student loan debt. As a result, they have less money to put towards a new car.
Unfortunately, when their car breaks, millennials feel the financial strain even harder. Another Ally survey found that only a third of all millennials had any type of emergency savings fund for car repairs.
Reducing Car Repair Costs
Life can be difficult when your car breaks. To reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, and help reduce your car repair costs, consider these tips from Autowise:
- Use the right oil
- Change your oil and oil filter at regular intervals
- Do not drive aggressively
- Avoid redlining or hard braking
- Do not miss a vehicle inspection or service
- Get regular car tune-ups
- Keep your tires properly inflated at all times
- Keep the engine air filter clean
Performing regularly scheduled maintenance on your car is one of the best ways to keep it running in peak condition. To do this, you must find a good mechanic or auto shop. The best auto repair shop is honest, knowledgeable, and reasonable.
A good mechanic can save you time and money. They finish the job faster and do not perform unnecessary repairs. They do not try to “up-sell’’ you on services you do not need, and they prevent bigger problems by addressing small issues quickly.
Where Can You Find a Good Auto Repair Shop in San Mateo?
When looking for a good auto repair shop in San Mateo, ask friends and family members for referrals of auto repair shops they trust.
It is also important to check out their credentials and reviews. The ASE, AAA, and BBB are all good places to start.
Check online or call local companies to get a sense of their pricing and how they match up with their competitors.
Once you find a good auto repair shop, start with a small job. Note if the shop repaired the problem properly and in a reasonable amount of time. Evaluate whether the pricing was fair and if the mechanic was courteous and knowledgeable.
Contact Our San Mateo Auto Repair Shop Today
For more tips about how car repair costs in San Mateo County or anywhere in the Bay Area, contact Kirberg Motors, Inc. Our technicians have been servicing and repairing cars in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1967. You can check out our list of services here. For any questions or to set up an appointment, contact us at (650) 591-8998 or fill out our online form.