LPT: Check engine light on? You can run your own engine light diagnostics check for free at an auto parts store. That way you won't need to pay a mechanic $50 to $150 to do it.

This might depend on certain factors such as the company that owns the store and maybe location. So call around. I found that Autozone allowed me to do the check for free. So I did, and found that my car needed a new ignition coil. It was an easy enough job for me to do on my own.

Now, some mechanics may require that they do the check themselves whether or not you did it. Understandable, but they charge you. If you would like know first, or if you're comfortable doing the job yourself, this may be the advice for you. I would have kicked myself in the ass if I had paid a mechanic $200 to $400 for work I could have done. It costed me $50 to do it.