Wondering if you are eligible for car repair grants? The National Automobile Dealers Association estimates that the average cost of a car repair for a vehicle over 10 years old is $800, while the average car repair cost is $500. If your car is older than 10 years, expect to pay more for car repairs. Because they're expensive, many Americans struggle to find the funds to get their vehicles back on the road.
Luckily, grants are designed to assist low-income individuals and families with the costs associated with repairing or maintaining their vehicles. With these grants, you can get the help you need to keep your car running smoothly without sacrificing other essential expenses.
Whether you need new tires, a tune-up, or a more extensive repair, read on to learn how car repair grants can help get you back on the road.
Car Repair Grants Available To You
Grants for car repair are financial assistance programs that provide free money to help people pay for car repair costs.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
If you need to get your vehicle repaired for free, you can bring it to the NHTSA for a free check. They'll inspect your car and determine if the issues you're having are due to a defect from the manufacturer. Sometimes, car manufacturers issue recalls for certain models and types of vehicles. You can get a free fix from a nearby car dealership if this is the case.
Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
If your car doesn't meet vehicle emission standards, you can get it repaired for free. CAP helps Californian residents improve their car emissions, so the state's air quality also improves. However, repairs are limited to Star Test and Repair Stations. Cars 1996 and newer can receive up to $1,200 in car repair grants, while cars between 1976 and 1995 can receive up to $900. These grants will help you with the Smog Check inspection.
Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program
For those in Arizona, you can get a grant for car emission repairs through this program. Depending on your car's year and makeup, you can get a $500 to $1,000 grant. However, you must have been registered in Pima County or Maricopa County for at least a year. You must also contribute $150 as a co-pay.
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
If you live in a rural area without public transportation, JARC can help fix your car for free. You may also get assistance with repairs and used tires. However, they also have strict financial qualifications since the funding is limited.
The Lift Garage
The Lift Garage is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota that provides affordable car repair and maintenance services for low-income individuals and families. The organization operates a full-service auto repair shop and offers various services, including oil changes, tire repairs, brake services, and more.
Their mission is to help keep people safe on the road and promote economic stability by providing affordable car maintenance services for those in need. The Lift Garage also provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals from underserved communities, helping to break the cycle of poverty and build stronger communities.
Workforce
If you need to get back to work, this program will not only help you get a job, but it will also help with auto grant programs, car repair grants, free used cars, and other things you need. Even if you are in a work-study program, re-entry program, job training, or vocational training program, Workforce will be there to assist. Grants can range from $1,000 for car repairs and $8,000 for a new car.
United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a global Christian denomination with a strong service and charitable giving tradition. While there are no specific grants for car repairs, many local United Methodist Churches and affiliated organizations offer a range of services and assistance, including financial aid and other forms of support, to individuals and families in need.
If you need assistance with car repairs, contact your local United Methodist Church or a United Methodist organization in your area to inquire about available resources and support.
Veterans Administration
The Veterans Administration, also known as the VA, is a federal government agency that provides services and benefits to eligible military veterans, including health care, disability compensation, education and training, and home loans. While the VA does not offer specific car repair grants, they may be able to provide other forms of assistance to eligible veterans, including financial assistance for the purchase of a vehicle or transportation expenses.
Also, some veterans' service organizations and non-profits may offer car repair assistance or other support for veterans in need. If you are a veteran in need of assistance with car repairs, contact the VA or a veterans' service organization in your area to inquire about available resources and support.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a well-known international charity that provides services and assistance to individuals in need, including financial assistance for essential expenses such as housing, food, and medical care. While not directly offering a specific car repair grant program, the organization may be able to provide other forms of financial assistance or refer you to other organizations or programs that offer car repair assistance.
Additionally, The Salvation Army operates several community centers and programs, including social services and emergency assistance, that may be able to help if you need support.
If you need to fix your car but can't afford car repair costs, don't fret. These programs will provide car repair grants to help you get back on your feet. And if you need a new car instead, you can also check our list of free cars for college students.
