BY TIM WINKELER
For all of its virtues, New Hampshire is no cheap place to live. Time and time again, the state’s residents have been hit by “unexpected inflation.”
Wherever you look, prices seem to be at record highs, and it’s taking a toll on household budgets. In the Granite State, food prices have increased faster than overall inflation since the COVID-19 pandemic, climbing 25% in recent years. Meanwhile, the cost of a single-family home has hit (another) historical peak, while the average regular gas price is nowhere close to $3.
It’s no wonder that New Hampshire residents are reconsidering their monthly expenses — from their home to groceries and the rest.
Don’t overlook driving, which has taken a hit since the pandemic. Across America, people are driving less, and the same is true in New Hampshire. Shopping, restaurant dining and other recreational trips are all down from 2017, with fewer drivers hitting the road to get around.
Given sky-high gas prices and other costs, driving is more expensive than before, forcing people to cut back and save money by pursuing alternatives. It’s expensive to not only own a car but also maintain it.
Owning and operating a new car can cost thousands of dollars per year, factoring in monthly payments, maintenance needs and unfortunate repairs. When nearly 50% of Americans can’t afford an unexpected $1,000 expense with their savings, every dent, scratch or pothole just hurts a little bit more.
So how do you save money in today’s economy? It’s important to find the right auto expert to trust. In the past, auto repairers used to be called “mechanics,” but drivers are now best served finding qualified and certified automotive “technicians.” Certified technicians or certified automotive professionals have the most knowledge, solving problems holistically rather than pursuing quick fixes that cost you more in the long run. Because cars have changed so much over the decades, technicians know how to deal with extremely complex, highly computerized vehicles. This requires advanced digital tools, a substantial amount of training and hands-on experience.
The emergence of electric vehicles adds to the complexity and computerization of the modern car, but technicians know how to take care of them too. Evolution is vital.
Technicians keep up because they’re constantly educating and re-educating themselves. The top technicians increase their knowledge through Automotive Service Excellence certifications and other formal protocols, such as the training sessions offered by Garage Gurus and the Tire Industry Association certification.
New Hampshire consumers need to shop wisely to own and maintain a car. Avoid those who are not qualified for the job at hand or price-gouging when they can help out. For the consumer, there tends to be a knowledge gap when it comes to cars, so finding the right technician allows you to sit back and rest easily.
Do your due diligence. Pay attention to reviews and other forms of customer feedback that speak to expertise — research is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll pay more for less.
“Living free” is difficult these days. But, in New Hampshire, today’s technicians are making that just a little bit easier.
Tim Winkeler serves as president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, which has 21 locations in NH.
