Smart Consumers Save on Auto Insurance Quotes as Well as Repairs

While many consumers are inclined to try to save as much as possible on auto insurance quotes, one recent report notes that they may not be as attentive to whether some automotive services are actually necessary.

According to SmartMoney.com, some repair shops have been taking advantage of consumers during the current recession. Some people are being convinced to accept potentially costly services that in many cases are not actually necessary.

For example, one longtime auto mechanic was quoted as saying one shop claimed he had a transmission leak, even though he was unable to spot it himself.

Consumers can also get about 5,000 miles between oil changes with today's cars, and many seasonal tune-up packages can turn out to offer questionable value as well. Another thing not always required by a vehicle is decarbonization of the engine, unless it has more than 150,000 miles in many cases, according to the report.

Still, automobile executives frequently point out that keeping a car well-maintained and in optimal running order can lower the likelihood of accidents, making reasonably priced auto insurance quotes more likely in the process.