As a vehicle owner, auto maintenance and repair costs are a given. You might not think that there's much that you can do to reduce the impact on your budget, but there are a few different ways that you can save money and get the best deal on auto repair services. Give these tips a try, and you could be surprised by how much you can save. Then, you can feel good in knowing that you are keeping your vehicle in good repair, but you won't have to worry about emptying your bank account, either.

1. Open a Line of Credit

Many auto repair shops offer their own lines of credit, especially if you deal with a large-scale chain. By opening a line of credit or credit card, you can often benefit from a percentage off of your services and other perks. Plus, you can break the payments up to make them a little more manageable, which can be a good thing when your car needs to be repaired now but funds are tight.

2. Buy Your Own Parts

Don't assume that the auto repair shop will give you the best deal on the parts that you need. Ask for a breakdown of charges, and take a look at the cost of the various parts. Then, do a little bit of shopping yourself. You might be able to find the same part at a junkyard or even at a local auto parts store for a lower price. Then, you'll only have to pay the repair shop for the labor-related costs.

3. Skip the Packages

Don't assume that your vehicle is in need of a maintenance package that includes an oil change, tire rotation and air filter change. Although the deals can be good on these packages when compared to paying for each service separately, you could be paying for services that you don't need. Before paying for one of these packages, consult your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure that they are services that your vehicle is actually due for.

4. Take it Straight to the Source

If you're having body work done on your vehicle or if your car is in need of glass repair work, you may want to take it straight to one of these types of shops. Many regular auto repair shops will simply take your car elsewhere to have this work done, which can lead to you paying more and can cause it to take a long time for you to have your repairs done.

Auto repair can be expensive, but there are ways that you can save money while still keeping your car in excellent condition. Give these four simple tips a try, and you can save more money than you probably think. Plus, your vehicle won't have to suffer from not being maintained or repaired frequently enough. Talk to a service like Marathon -Sleepy Hollow to learn about more ways you can save on auto repair.