Let me tell you a little story. You see, we are The Thrifty Couple, but we’ve never claimed to be the “all-knowing, all-experienced Jack and Jackie of all trades.”Â
What I mean by that is that, well…we really, really stink when it comes to DIY car stuff – like really bad! It has been an intimidating, frustrating and expensive experience for us in the past. We are really dense in this particular area of our lives.
And yes, that includes even Alex, the man of the house. He is an engineer by trade and can decipher and compose data and code in the software realm like nobody’s business (remember I am married to him so I can be honest biased :)) but cannot decipher a problem with the car. Don’t worry, he gave me permission to share the honest truth about this part of our lives.
And honestly, this problem of no “car-fixing” skills is a big problem for a couple that is trying to be as frugal and money-savvy as possible.
In fact, I want to share a story with you to show just how much we do not know about cars and repairs.
A few years ago, we had a problem.
It wasn’t a small problem, but we were being told it was a several-hundred-dollar-fix problem. But the problem was either X or Z and the mechanic wouldn’t know which it was until he got in there and got to work. Only after would we discover just how BIG of a problem it was.
It stunk and it’s often the territory of a thrifty couple – car troubles – because we often drive older, more used cars.
Having been blessed by not having many car issues in the past, when this day came it was honestly devastating. Even though we had money in the bank to cover it from our emergency fund…we kept asking ourselves whether there was a better way.
That’s when we heard about AutoZone. Mind you, an auto parts store is the lowest on our list of experience/knowledge. But we heard that AutoZone had a machine that could diagnose a vehicle’s problem (, diagnose in minutes, and diagnose for free.
Seriously?!?
That is way too cool and perhaps way to good to be true! But, we gave it a try even on the drive home from the mechanic. We pulled into AutoZone and asked if we could get a free diagnosis (wishing we could do the same with the doctor). They came out to the parking lot, hooked up their machine (The Fix Finder), ran the test and we had a result in a couple of minutes.
MIND.BLOWN.
We now knew what was wrong with the car. Completely brilliant plan!
BUT…the next step was repairing it. Now that we knew the problem, we could take it back to the mechanic and tell him and have him give us a better estimate. We don’t like walking into anything with the, “Well, it could be this, or it could be that and it’s going to cost between $300 – I dunno, maybe $900?” Sorry, that just does not fly in our book.
However, the very kind associate at AutoZone actually said we can repair it ourselves for a very small fraction of the cost.
We both looked at each other and then at him and said, “No, no, no, you don’t understand, we can’t fix cars. We cause MORE damage. But thanks for your vote of confidence.”
He said, “No, really, you can! I promise.”
We responded with a dumbfounded look on our faces with a “How?”
He said, “Come back inside the store and I will show you!”
So we followed him with reluctance, only because he said we could do it for a fraction of the cost. The money-saving factor was the turning point that piqued our curiosity as to whether we really could do this.
The gentleman showed us the problem and the repair guide from his computer. He gathered the parts while we were looking over the steps, came back, said that he would print the instructions for free and let us borrow the tools for free to fix it ourselves. The only thing left was to buy the parts. We did and the price we paid (again, just for the parts)Â was FAR less than the lowest estimate for the more minor issue that the mechanic alluded to.
So we walked out happy campers because our problems were behind us.
How did the story end?
Well, it just ended.  It was a smooth, seamless, easier-than-it-should-have-been DIY car repair and we still had nearly all of our emergency fund left! There was no dramatic outcry from the garage, there were no fights, there were no disagreements, there was no running back and forth from the auto parts store (don’t even get me started about our home repair stories – LOL!), there were no complaints, swearing, broken fingers, drama and sweat!
It was done.
It was cheap.
It was easy.
It was beautiful!
And now that we are heading into the beautiful green season (Spring!) and with tax time coming up, we want to help you spend your refund wisely by sharing this experience with you to save you “green” on your car repairs. This is the #1 cause of financial emergencies, so now you can put more of your tax refund into a road trip instead of spending it on huge emergency car repairs.
We don’t want our readers to spend a ton of money on car repairs. There is NOTHING to lose by checking out the free diagnostic service with the Fix Finder (not available in CA) at your local AutoZone first from now on. In fact, swing by on your way to the mechanic. You may be surprised by the information and the experience that you have.
AutoZone actually has quite a few free services and not only did our store print the instructions for free for us, but they have a repairs video guide online too if you are more this type.
Thankfully, we haven’t had any more car repair needs since this one, but we know where we are going to go first the next time. Trust us, if we can make a DIY car repair, YOU can for SURE!
And, since we are in the “green” season, planning our spring and summer road trips, getting the cars cleaned up and ready for the road trip season, we want to also give you some green!
They also put out coupons that you can often find on their Facebook page to stretch your dollars a bit more! Right now, you can grab a $7 off $30 coupon! Grab this AutoZone Coupon for the latest savings!
We would love to hear from you.
- Have you ever tried the free services at AutoZone?
- What was the cost of your last auto repair?
- Would you give this a try?
- Whatever you want about this topic!
*Please note, the giveaway is now closed on this post, but comments are always welcome. The winner was Carol (cjlgage@). Congratulations Carol!
This post is brought to you by AutoZone; the opinions are all mine.
Dena
I live in Florida (aka a pit of molten lava) and my air conditioner in my 1998 S-10 just went out. I’d love to win this gift card so that I will still be alive at the end of the summer. Thanks for the opportunity. ♥
Kim Turner
I actually have used auto zone before when I was having problems with my car battery. The employees were so nice and tested my battery for me. Unfortunately I had to purchase a new one, but they made the whole experience less painful…lol. They removed my old battery and put the new one in for me, thank goodness!!! They went above and beyond their job duties. I would recommend them to anyone who asks!!
Kim
I never knew Auto Zone had this service. I am happy to know and will go there next time before I head to the mechanic. Thank you.
Darlene King
We just had to purchase brakes for my husbands car at Auto Zone today, but you never know when you will need a repair again. My husband doesn’t know how to change them, but luckily his brother does, so we are saving some money. We signed up for coupons and had a $20 off parts coupon. You can get info for signing up for the coupons from the store.
Suz
I used to be stupid & go to a dealer—-they are insanely expensive. I have bought parts from BIG retailers that specialize in just parts on EBAY. I saved hundreds of dollars. The dealer wanted $350+ to replace a door handle! I bought a set of all 4 for my car & paid a mechanic $60 to put it on (plus I have 3 for the next one to break $14 for 4 handles)
My friend’s mechanical driver mirror got sheared off–I bought one for her on ebay and it was $45 and the mechanic did it free when she bought a tune up.(Dealer quoted her $3-400!!)
Also on my old car I went to a salvage yard (dashboard $15 mirror $10) You have to bring tools but not a big deal.
Suz
Karen
I had never heard of AutoZone before, but you can bet I’ll be looking for one now! P.S. Totally get the computer geek situation….
Candice
I love AutoZone! My check engine light just came on this morning (grrrrrr), so I will be visiting them very soon.
Traci Peterson
I was just about to shell out $90 for a diagnostic appointment at a garage tomorrow! It is fate that I got this in my email box! I am going straight to AutoZone for my diagnostic instead and if possible I am going to fix my car myself. Thank you so much for the information. This could not be more perfect.
Shanna Cook
Funny, I just saw a commercial from Autozone about the free tool borrowing service- never knew this! So, when my husband, who’s father was a mechanic and I know he knows how to do some of this stuff, tells me “Oh, I could do that I just don’t have the tools.” Well…wait a minute because now we have a solution for that, too. I think it’s awesome, very smart on Autozones part! I’ve used the diagnostic service as well, back before I met my husband and I was a single mom on one income. Back then I also had one of their associates very kindly replace my windshield wipers for me while it was snowing because I was clueless and in dire need. Customer service like that isn’t the norm so when you hear about or experience it for yourself, it’s enough to encourage a person to become partial. Thank you for sharing.
Leslie Prior
It is very true…..some of the most expensive emergencies I have had have been vehicle related! I’d love to learn more about fixing my own cars…….talk about saving money. Thanks for the info and the encouragement!
Rose
My husband fixes our vehicles whenever possible. Can always use extra money for repairs. Not sure we have autozone way up here in northern NH, but..I see its online!!! Have to show the site to hubby!!
Dawn H
We use AutoZone whenever things come up with our vehicles. Their staff is always friendly and helpful. They have even changed out my battery for me for free!
Lori Duncan
This is awesome. We have a car that has been sitting for a while we really need fixed and haven’t been able to figure out the problem. The Auto Zone diagnosing tool is a great idea! Thanks for sharing your story. It is inspiring!
Michelle S
My boys have checked codes there many times. They then hit you tube for further directions.
Brenda
I had my car into the dealership for an oil change. ( 10 year old car). They gave me a list of items needing to be done immediately at the tune of 900.00. I took it to a reputable independent garage…. Only to have them tell me everything checked out fine, and I left with paying zero. Imautizone helps me always put on my windshield wipers-for free. They’re wonderful!
Amy Hoyt
I love Autozone! They are the nicest people around, and I don’t say that lightly. They changed my shredded windshield wiper in the middle of a rain storm; how nice is that? Would love the card, as we have older vehicles too. Thanks for having this!
Carmen L
I always go to Autozone to run diagnostics on my newer cars. I like that they have the tool lending service ( with a deposit here) and that they are eager to help me to minor stuff, like wipers, batteries or oil, in their parking lot.
Tara Freeney
My husband is Mr. FIX IT
He is not a mechanic but he watches the you tube videos that show how to repair things. He also bought a Fix Finder from ebay and he is able to diagnosis our car issues in minutes. The fix finder is smaller than a credit car. It is the best!!! He last car had 400,000 miles on it!!!!!!!
Pamela Gordon
My car needs repairs now and I have used Auto Zone before. It would be great to win this because I am on disability. But I will get it running. 🙂
Cheryl
I need a new muffler system on my car and this gift card would definitely help the cause! Thank you for considering me!
Cindy A.
I am blessed to have a partner that can fix most car problems. He has taken our cars to Auto Zone numerous times to check error codes, rent tools, and buy miscellaneous parts/fluids. Thank you so much for the giveaway!
Pamela Stangland
Yes, my hubby has used Auto Zone and is able to do many of the needed repairs to our car. It is frustrating when you know something is wrong and the code reader shows no problems. I’m so thankful my hubby has shown my the kids how to do things on cars as they’ve gotten older and it’ll be up to them whether they choose to do the repair themselves or pay someone else.
Michele
We have used the free diagnosis from Auto Zone a few times, however I didn’t know they would allow customers to borrow tools! We, too, are not blessed with car-fixing skills and tremble at the first sign of an issue. It’s nice to know our Auto Zone is just a few, short minutes away.
Karen Milone
Yes I would definitely give this a try!
Shirley myers
We have auto zone near us and have bought parts but did not know they were this knowledgable. Great to know!
Kristina
Wow! We just bought a used car… And there’s an autozone not too far away! Thanks for the great info!
Dawn
I did know about the free diagnostic test. I did not know that they can print/direct you to directions on how to fix it yourself. That’s great info!
Thanks. 🙂
Nurieh Glasgow
I feel like your article opened up some important knowledge but great opportunities for me to learn about fixing my car. I wonder if their diagnostic tool will help checking out potential used car purchases. Thanks!
Tina
Such great info, thank you for your great blog posts!
Carol JLG
I never knew Auto Zone did free diagnostics! Great to know for the future. Thanks
Jamie
My husband has used Auto Zone’s free diagnostics a few times. So helpful! He tries to do repairs himself and he loves Auto Zone!
Susan
I had heard about this free service at AutoZone a while back, but honestly, I had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder! We also drive older vehicles which can require more repairs than newer vehicles so this will be helpful information.
Wendy Hand
I love Auto Zone! I have a 17 year old son who bought an older model car and made many repairs on it to get it back it to good sound running shape. He knows the guys at Auto Zone on a first name basis. Unfortunately that all changed when he was hit head on by a guy who was DUI at 3pm in the afternoon and was attempting to make an illegal Uturn. Now my son is without a car as the ins co only compensated him what the car was worth and did not take into consideration the amount of money he spent in repairs bringing it up to a good reliable car. So now we are on the hunt for a replacement and an Auto Zone gift card would come in so handy and be such a blessing!!!
Karla Gratehouse
What a blessing that Auto Zone helped you and countless others! I’m a single mom and I’ve been right where you were! Blessings!
Janis
We do our own vehicle repairs, and the diagnostic tool at Auto Zone is a real money saver!
Lindsay
I love Auto Zone! They have a great rewards program, too. We use their information as well as the wealth of videos available of Youtube. I’m amazed at the wonderful mechanics that have taken the time to put videos on to do some very in-depth repairs. Has kept our cars, one 100K + miles and another 220K+ miles, going strong!
teresa hartsell
Our AutoZone is usually our go to when we have automotive issues. They have always treated us with great customer service.
Margaret Barnett
My husband and I will try Auto Zone today. Others offer some, but not all ,of what Auto Zone does. The combination of free diagnostic servicey, repair lookup and printing, lendind tools, and a reputation for great customer service is a winner.
Sunnie
Great giveaway, we live out in the country and the dirt roads really do a number on our cars! My husband is a diy guy all the way.
Marla C
My headlight bulb went out in my car and I couldn’t figure out how to get the old one out. The man at Auto Zone not only rang out my purchase but came out and showed me how to change the bulb. I go to Auto Zone for all my auto part needs.
LueAnna Bracha
My husband is also not a car fix it man. But our starter went out a month ago. We knew we didn’t have the money to go in to the mechanic again whom we had just paid almost 2 grand for other repairs. After watching youtube videos my husband braved the freezing temps and snow and after a couple hours the new starter was in. We saved a couple hundred dollars. Thank you youtube and we got money back when we took the old starter in to be refurbished!
Wendy S.
I love that we can bring our old motor oil into AutoZone for recycling after we do our own DIY oil change!
Chris Schaefer
We discovered auto zone’s super friendliness a few years back. They’ve helped us a few times, really saving money!
Larry Stoffregan
would love to win the $100, would be a great “rainy day” car repair fund
Brittney Voelker
Once on a trip from Longview (East Texas) to San Antonio (south central Texas) my car battery wouldnt start. Popped it open, saw acid had started leaking & got it cleaned off with Coke enough it’d start. I drove it to the closest auto parts store which was an AutoZone. Their employee was very helpful. He found me the battery I needed and installed it for me. He also showed me how to install it so in the future I could do it myself. I was very impressed! I was back on the road in a few minutes rather than spending half a day waiting on a Walmart or Sears auto center.
Barbara Wilson
We use Auto Zone all the time! My husband is very handy with cars and Auto Zone is his first choice for parts!
latanya
we have used their diagnostic services before on batteries and alternators.
Mary Ann Taylor
This would be great for my husband and son! They love to work on cars and they keep Momma on the road safely!
Sasha Payne
Auto Zone is great! We use them all the time and the people that work there really help you by running the codes free to help you figure out what is wrong with your vehicle.
Laurie
I’m a brand new member, so excited about learning ways to be frugal. Last week I went to our local AutoZone and they fixed me up with a new battery. Great service and nice staff. It’s great to know they have resources to help us repair our cars . Thanks for the opportunity to win a gift card! That’s awesome!!!!!!!