For the past few years, the automotive industry has seen exponential growth. According to a 2015 report from the IBIS, the U.S. car industry was able to market at least 15 million new vehicles. Consequently, the increased number of new and used vehicles on the road spurred the expansion of the automotive repair industry in the country.
More automotive repairs will occur as more vehicles take to the road. However, as labor costs increase and cars become more advanced, the average repair price has skyrocketed to $600. This is a steep price, especially for low-income households. Fortunately, Goodwill offers car repair programs to help financially struggling individuals with auto repairs. Read on to learn more.
What To Know About Repairing Cars
The most availed service in automotive repair shops is maintenance. Upkeeping and maintenance services may typically include minor repairs on wear-and-tear issues and replacement of OEM car parts for other problems.
Most used vehicles require the following maintenance services:
- Wiper blades
- Routine maintenance based on mileage
- Engine oil filter replacement
- Installation of new tires
- Old battery replacement
- Replacement of brake pads and rotors
- Transmission fluid replacement
Repair and maintenance services are expensive, but these are necessary to ensure passenger safety and prevent fatal road accidents. Besides, there are several ways for drivers to reduce out-of-pocket car repair expenses, such as:
- Scheduled maintenance. Putting off routine car maintenance can result in further damage, which can double repair and maintenance costs.
- Research. Before bringing in your car, conducting some local auto repair shop research is advisable. Doing so might guarantee the quality of the repair work and save money on substandard service.
- Parts Sourcing. Buying car spare parts from auto parts and supplies stores rather than from the repair shop can reduce your auto repair expenses by at least 30%.
- DIY. Performing repairs on your vehicle might seem intimidating. However, with a little help from the web, you can perform minor repairs on your vehicle, such as replacing your engine oil filter or putting on new tires.
- Car Repair Assistance Programs. The federal government, charities, and non-profit organizations offer car repair grants assistance programs to low-income households, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
How The Wheels For Work Program Works
Goodwill is a non-profit organization responsible for providing car repair assistance and services to low-income households and persons with disability. It is important to note that Goodwill does not offer used cars for free.
Instead, they provide financing help to qualified applicants so they can purchase their vehicles at a more affordable price. Qualified applicants may be eligible to receive the following financing assistance services:
- Affordable monthly rates
- Interest-free payments
- Cheap car loans
- Car grants
- Free repair services
- Gas vouchers
- Transportation coupons
- Credit-check free purchases
Goodwills Used Car Program Locations
Several locations administer the Goodwill car repair program. Once you are qualified, you can bring your vehicle to any of these locations:
Goodwill Auto Sales & Vehicles Donation Center — Florida
3333 Fowler Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 936-4861
Goodwill Cars For Work Auto Auction — Kentucky
962 E. Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY 40204
859 277-2277
Goodwill Cars For Work Program Office — Kentucky
909 E. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 585-5221
(502) 259-0430
Wheels To Work Oneonta — New York
3 West Broadway
Oneonta, New York 13820
607-433-8000
1-800-986-5463
Goodwill Industries — Ohio Valley
10600 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215
513-771-5800
Goodwill Industries — Northern Michigan
2279 South Airport Road West
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-995-7718 or 1-877-488-3449 ext 218
Getting A Car For Employment
When you want to earn a living, it is essential to have reliable transportation. Your job search doesn’t have to be limited to just a few miles from your home if you have a personal vehicle. Also, you can find a job farther out that offers a higher salary and more benefits.
Compared to public transportation, driving to work can save you hours of travel time and make your life much easier. The public bus or train schedules will not constrain you, nor will you have to wait in line for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some commonly asked questions about Goodwill Car Repair.
1. Is there a program that helps you get a car?
Numerous programs by charities and non-profit organizations give away used cars to low-income households, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans and their families.
2. What do wheels for wishes do?
Wheels For Wishes is a program that helps beneficiaries of Make-A-Wish local chapters to obtain secondhand vehicles for free. Vehicles acquired through their car donation program are given away to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
3. What are the disadvantages of Goodwill?
Goodwill’s Wheels For Work Program only leases or sells secondhand vehicles to qualified applicants with no extended warranty included. This may cost the lessee or buyer additional car repairs and maintenance expenses.
With the Goodwill Car Repair Program, financially struggling households and individuals can find better employment and live better lives.
Does your vehicle suffer from unexpected car issues with high-cost repairs? Learn to access emergency car repair assistance services near you with Gov Relations.
