You Can Save on Car Repairs by Using a DIY Garage
Large areas of the United States were built with the assumption that everyone who lived there would own a car , but this can be an expensive prospect—the average labor rate for auto repair hovers around $60 an hour and can rise into the triple digits. , depending on the make and model of your car.
At the same time , soaring prices for new and used cars mean many people are keeping their cars longer: the average car on the road today is now 12.5 years old , and older cars mean more repair bills .
If you have a whisk that needs some work but can’t afford to bring it to the store, there is another option that can save you a lot of money. All you need is some mechanical skills (or a friend with some skills) and the location of a DIY garage near you.
What is a DIY garage?
A DIY garage is a full-service auto repair shop where you can rent a bay, lift, diagnostic equipment (including computers), and tools—all for an hourly or daily fee. Some will also provide recommendations from certified mechanics, although many people rely on Youtube, tutorials, and free advice from fellow DIY mechanics. But you do all the actual work on your car, saving a huge amount of money on labor costs.
It’s a pretty simple process:
-
Determine your needs. Depending on the renovation you will be doing, you should make a list of all the equipment you might need. People use DIY garages for more than just mechanical repairs: Some people repaint their cars, repair rusty roofs, or do other body work.
-
Find a DIY garage near you. There is no nationwide list of DIY garages, so you’ll have to rely on a Google search —this page has a preset search box that allows you to enter your zip code and see a list of DIY garages near you. ( Here’s a list of DIY repair shops in the New York City area, for example.)
-
Book your time and tools. Now you just book what you need and come. DIY garage shops will provide everything you need, including tools, but you will need to supply the parts and, of course, the labor.
Cost of using a DIY garage
Just because DIY garages can save you money doesn’t mean they won’t still cost you a lot. Here’s how much you can pay to get your car repaired in one place:
-
Basic cost. If you just need a bay to work on, most DIY garages charge between $20 and $50 per hour. For example, My Mechanics Place in Michigan charges $20 per hour for a basic bay, U Wrench It in New Jersey charges $24.99, and Your Dream Garage in Los Angeles charges $50 per hour. A lift bay will cost you $30-$35 per hour, while a paint booth typically costs around $100 per hour. These prices sometimes include access to the tools, but sometimes there is an additional fee of $10 to $25. Most DIY garages also have daily and even monthly rates, which can be a better deal if you need that kind of time.
-
Expert help. Many do-it-yourself repair shops offer the option of using a professional mechanic to advise you on repairs for an additional fee. For example, U Wrench It will provide you with a professional to help you for $55 per hour on top of renting the bay. This could be a great middle ground option if you’ve never done any major car repairs before and are afraid to rely on videos and friendly advice.
Considering the cost of labor, a DIY repair done at one of these shops could save you several hundred or even several thousand dollars, depending on how long it takes.
Things to Consider Before Using a DIY Garage
Of course, a DIY garage is not a suitable solution for everyone. A few things to consider:
-
Insurance. If your repair was the result of an accident and insurance is involved, your insurance company may not approve DIY repairs and may require the work to be done at an approved shop. On the other hand, you may be able to save some of the insurance money if they simply write you a check for the repairs and you do them yourself.
-
Duty. Most DIY shops will require you to sign a waiver releasing them from liability if you are injured, unless the shop is somehow negligent. State laws vary, but if a DIY store is operating, the law will likely place the responsibility on the consumer. Make sure you know what will happen if you get injured or somehow destroy your car while trying to fix it.
-
Expenses. If you hire a professional to help with your renovation, your hourly costs may exceed what you would pay for labor. If the average hourly cost for a mechanic is $60 and you spend $75 on repairs and professional help, you’re not really saving any money at all.
-
Quality. Saving money is great, but if your DIY car repair fails because you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll find yourself in an even worse situation.
-
Education. A DIY garage can also be a great way to learn how to maintain and repair cars. If you have a secondary vehicle you can tinker with, spending some time in a self-service garage is a hands-on way to learn.
If you’re mechanically inclined enough or have some experience with car repairs—or if you know someone who is and is willing to help you—renting a DIY garage bay can save you a ton of money while keeping your wheels rolling. road.