It is no secret to anyone who has a car of just how expensive it can be to get it fixed. A new survey by AAA has found that 1 in 3 drivers cannot pay for an unexpected car repair and would be forced to go into debt to pay the bill.
The AAA found that the average cost for car repairs are $500 to $600.
Mechanics at AAA Car Care in Williamsville say individual items might only be a couple hundred dollars (like brakes) but they are often seeing cars with multiple problems resulting in higher overall repair bills.
AAA's survey also found that 1/3 of drivers skip or delay recommended service or repairs, which increases the likelihood of mechanical failure and roadside breakdown.
In 2016, AAA responded to nearly 32 million stranded motorists in the United States.
It is suggested that drivers start setting $50/month aside for repairs.
Drivers are encouraged to find a trusted repair shop. AAA offers a web service at http://aaa.com/autorepair, and mechanics suggest checking other online sites like the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles https://process.dmv.ny.gov/FacilityLookup/ and the Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org/upstate-new-york/accredited-business-directory/auto-repair-maintenance/.
If faced with an unexpected repair, AAA recommends getting a written estimate and consider getting a second opinion. For those who have trouble paying, it is suggested to ask about discounts or payment plans.
Across the U.S., the AAA found the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle to be $8,500.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in this reports.