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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Life hack that can save you hundreds in car repair

I can vouch for this as I have done it multiple times. 

And over time, I have saved thousands.

It's worth checking out.

I bring my car to a local vocational/technical high school. 

Here, students learn trades, and often work in co-op their senior year. In my case, the school is ASE certified and these students are more than likely to be working on my car the following year, anyway, in local garages.



I have had brakes done, tie rods replaced, sway bar repaired (or replaced ...whatever it is they do), as well as oil changes and new-to-me car inspections. Schools charge for parts; not labor. 

For example, replacing my brakes cost me about $100. 

In my case, customers call the school and are transferred to the auto shop. There, they make the appointment. 


This works best if you don't need your car that day, but perhaps you can wait for it.  Everyplace is different. 

I drop mine off in the morning and pick it up after school. Only once did they need it overnight. But the savings made it worth the wait. 

Call your local vocational school and ask if they accept jobs from the general public. Students need opportunities to work on their craft It's the seniors who are doing the job and they are working under certified mechanic instructors. 

It's a win-win. 


24 comments:

  1. Wow Kelly what a fantastic idea! Seems like not only a money saver, but with professional oversight by the certified mechanic instructors, its a great way to encourage and support excellence among the important and needed trades in our country. When I hear about the vocational training and apprenticeship in Europe I always wonder why we don't put more effort, commitment and stature into such efforts. Thanks for the idea, well worth looking into!

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    1. Hi Peggy,
      It really is a win-win. We're lucky because we have numerous vocational schools. Not everyone has to go to college. We've been brainwashed into believing that college degrees mean success. A path that brings you joy, that meets your needs, that contributes to society...all of that has value. Think of where we would be without our landscapers, our electricians, our trash collectors, our retail staff...these jobs have value. As you said, we should put more effort, commitment, stature, and I would add, a living wage, to these professions. One is not better than the other. Everyone has purpose. Happy Friday! :-)

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  2. That's awesome. I never thought of that. Easier on your wallet and you're helping them too.

    My friend used the tech school for her wedding flowers. They did an amazing job, just like if they came from the florist.

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    1. Hi Steph,
      I have friends who use the school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Happy Friday!

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  3. Great idea! I'll have to look into this next time my car needs some work!

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    1. Hi Aimee,
      It really is a win-win. They get the practice they need on rather simple jobs; you save. They're ASE certified. What's not to love? Thanks so much for stopping by. :-) Happy Friday!

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  4. This is good advice for more than just car repairs. If you can go to a school to get something done, it's much less expensive and since students are graded on their work, you might actually be getting a better product. I've gotten manicures for special events at beauty schools and have heard good things about massage schools as well.

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    1. Hi Rachel,
      You're right. I have seen that with massage schools as well. I have friends who use our high school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!

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  5. I never thought of this! Great idea! I'm sure they don't mind the experience at all and it's helping you out as well. I'd be surprised if a tech school turned anyone down for this kind of work. Around here there's a beauty salon that works this way and we always go there. Gives the students go practice and you know a professional is there to fix anything if they do mess up. (But they never do! At least not with me!) I should have thought of taking my car to their school too lol

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Chelsea~It really is a win-win. I have seen that with beauty schools and massage schools that offer a similar service as well. I have friends who use our high school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!

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  6. That is such a great way to save money and help them learn. Need to remember this for the next time I need work done.

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    1. Hi Kerry,
      I bring my car there whenever it needs service. They're great. And they're the same kids working in the garages for the most part anyway. I'd rather let them work supervised. It's a win-win. Happy Friday!

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  7. That is a great tip and something I never heard of! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Rachel~I bring my car there whenever it needs service. They're great. And they're the same kids working in the garages for the most part anyway. I'd rather let them work supervised. It's a win-win. Happy Friday!

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  8. Great tip! Pretty much anything you need to have done, from car repairs, to beauty to denal has a school that will allow for the general public. It's amazing what free and low cost services are available at your local high school, colleges, vo techs and other learning institutions that many in the general public don't know about.

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    1. Hi Chrystal...It really is a win-win. I have seen that with beauty schools and massage schools that offer a similar service as well. I have friends who use our high school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday!

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  9. That is an awesome idea! I am going to check out to see if our local high school does that. Stopping by from Boston Bloggers.

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    1. Hi Bev! Welcome. :-) We're lucky in MA to have so many regional voc tech schools. Good luck! It really is a win-win.

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  10. Oh my gosh this is brilliant. I never would have thought of that.

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    1. Hi Jen, I hope you have the opportunity to try. It really is a win-win. I have seen it with beauty schools and massage schools that offer a similar service as well. I have friends who use our high school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. What a great idea! Never even thought of that!

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    1. Hi Tori, I hope you have the opportunity to try. It really is a win-win. I have seen it with beauty schools and massage schools that offer a similar service as well. I have friends who use our high school to cater parties; it's delicious. And our culinary students manage a restaurant that's open to the public. It's a win-win. Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Fantastic Idea!! I think in such idea is pretty much effective both for car owner and also for students. This is really a way of win-win and I like the entire concept. Thanks : )

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit and for your comments. I have had great success with this and hope others can benefit as well. It really is a win-win. :-)

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