As a car owner in Blaine, Minnesota, you may not be surprised to learn that Minnesota is in the top 15 of the most expensive states for owning a vehicle. The website Insurance.com recently released their research that pegged Minnesota as the 14th most expensive state for car ownership.
Several factors went into determining the overall cost of ownership over a 5-year period. What a state charges in taxes and registration, the cost of gasoline, number of miles driven on average by those living in the state, repair costs, and road conditions were all part of the formula for coming up with the rankings.
A total of $16,357 separated the most expensive state (Wyoming) from the least expensive state (New Hampshire). Although many of the costs associated with owning your own vehicle are out of your control, such as sales tax and registration costs, there are ways to decrease other costs.
Some Costs Are Within Your Control
Perhaps the expense over which you have the greatest control is what you pay to have your car repaired. Proper maintenance performed by experienced and trained mechanics at a reputable repair shop is one way owners can save money in the long run.
By using quality parts that last and employing ASE certified master technicians, a trusted full-service shop will repair your vehicle the right way, which means fewer trips for repairs. A dependable repair shop will also develop a rapport with its customers while keeping ongoing records of a vehicle’s maintenance history in house. This gives experienced technicians the ability to better assess and address issues with a vehicle over time.
Right Shop Means the Best Service
Communication is also key in an ongoing relationship with a reputable repair shop in order to keep your repair costs at a minimum. This is why a car repair shop like Clark Automotive in Blaine, MN employs technicians who communicate directly with the customer, alleviating the opportunity for details to fall through the cracks by going through a middle man.
While not every cost associated with owning your own vehicle is within your control, choosing the right repair shop can help minimize your expenses and keep your car on the road longer. Call Clark Automotive at (763) 784-7944 to speak with one of our ASE certified mechanics about any car repair issues you may be experiencing.