What do rising tariffs, brake pads, and your wallet have in common? More than you might think. With new tariffs driving up the cost of imported auto parts, even a basic repair in Orlando could soon come with a hefty price tag. Suddenly, that strange noise under your hood might cost twice as much to fix, and it’s not because your mechanic raised their rates.
At Griffis Automotive Repair, we want Orlando drivers to stay ahead of these increases by rethinking how they approach vehicle maintenance. The truth is that most drivers don’t realize how much control they have over long-term repair costs.
In this blog, we’re breaking down how smart, consistent maintenance now can shield your budget later, and why ignoring that dashboard light could cost more than you bargained for.
If it feels like your car repairs are costing more lately, you’re not imagining things. Across the country—and especially here in Orlando—auto repair costs are rising. A big part of that comes down to parts: many of the components we use every day, like sensors, brake systems, and electrical modules, are imported. When tariffs are added to those parts, prices go up. And unfortunately, that increase often makes its way to you, the vehicle owner.
Local shops are feeling the strain too. Some are raising prices just to keep up, while others are dealing with backorders and longer wait times. It’s a challenge for everyone.
That’s why more and more drivers are searching for ways to save money on car repairs in Orlando—whether by staying ahead on maintenance, choosing a shop that sources smart, or simply understanding how tariffs and parts pricing affect your bill. At Griffis Automotive Repair, we work hard to keep costs fair, use quality parts, and help you make informed decisions about your vehicle.
If you wait until something breaks, it’s already costing you more than it should. Preventative maintenance is the most effective strategy for avoiding big repair bills caused by worn-out or failing parts.
At Griffis Automotive Repair, we encourage every customer to follow a regular maintenance schedule, not just for reliability and safety, but for real, long-term savings. Think of it as investing in your car’s future.
Each of these services is designed to extend the life of your vehicle and catch potential problems before they become expensive repairs. Our team performs digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), giving you full visibility through photos and videos sent directly to your phone or email.
Customers have many options for auto repair in Orlando, FL. But what sets us apart is not just what we do, it’s how we do it.
We’re proud of our reputation for honesty, clean facilities, and advanced equipment, and we make it a point to treat every vehicle like it belongs to a member of our own family. Our customers trust us because we do the job right the first time, and we don’t upsell unnecessary services.
Whether you’re a fleet manager, a busy parent, or a daily commuter, you’ll find affordable, reliable, and personalized care with us. That’s why so many local residents searching for affordable car service in Orlando keep coming back to Griffis Automotive Repair.
Let’s take a moment to break it down with a real-world example.
A driver skips their scheduled transmission service. After 60,000 miles of neglected fluid changes, the transmission starts slipping. A rebuild or replacement could cost between $5,000 to $11,000, depending on the vehicle. Plus, there’s the added cost of a rental car and time off work.
Another driver gets timely fluid flushes and inspections at every interval. Cost of transmission maintenance over that same mileage? Roughly $600 to $800, total.
Savings: Up to $10,000.
Multiply that by other major systems like your brakes, A/C, or suspension, and you start to see how smart maintenance is the most effective way to save money on car repairs in Orlando.
The effect of global trade policies often feels far removed from daily life. But in auto repair, it’s a real, local issue. Many of the parts impacted by tariffs include:
Because we service a wide variety of vehicles at Griffis Automotive Repair—especially domestic makes like Ford, Chevy, and Dodge—we’re able to minimize reliance on harder-to-source imports. When needed, we have established relationships with suppliers that offer competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best value available, even as tariffs affect the broader market.
Many people wait until tax season or the holidays to catch up on car maintenance. But waiting too long in the current market could be more costly than ever. If you’ve been putting off brake repairs, suspension work, or warning light diagnostics, now’s the time to act.
Proactive customers are already calling ahead to schedule their services and avoid price spikes down the road. Our flexible scheduling, friendly team, and clear communication make the process smooth and stress-free.
With our clean shop, secure after-hours drop-off, and local shuttle service, keeping your car in top shape has never been more convenient.
No matter your lifestyle, preventative care is your best line of defense against unpredictable costs.
At Griffis Automotive Repair, we’re big believers in empowering car owners. Here are some of the most effective ways to extend your vehicle’s life and reduce unexpected repair bills:
Yes. Routine services like fluid changes, brake inspections, and A/C checks often catch problems early—saving you thousands in major repairs.
We recommend every 5,000 miles or twice a year, depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Florida’s heat and humidity make timely maintenance even more important.
Not all, but many parts—especially imported electronics and suspension systems—have seen price increases. We help minimize those costs through smart sourcing.
If you’ve been searching for a way to reduce auto expenses without cutting corners, you’ve found it. Let our team help you stay ahead of the curve—before small problems turn into major repair bills.
Call us today at (407) 896-2225 or visit us at 1400 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32806 to schedule your next service. You can also request an appointment directly through our website: griffisautomotiverepair.com
We’ll help you stay safe, stay on the road, and most importantly, save money on car repairs.
