Cars are an essential part of our daily lives—providing freedom, convenience, and the ability to get from point A to point B. However, as much as we depend on them, they can also quickly become a financial black hole. From routine maintenance to unexpected breakdowns, the cost of keeping a car on the road can quickly add up. Luckily, there are some community programs in Washtenaw County to help ease the financial burden of vehicle ownership. Whether you’re facing a minor repair or a major overhaul, these programs can make a world of difference in keeping your car running smoothly without draining your wallet.
Online Tools
- AAA Car Repair Estimate– AAA can provide an estimate of the cost. Included in the estimate are breakdowns for parts, labor and the member discount available at all AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
- Your Mechanic Instant Estimate– fill out the online form to generate a free estimate for your car repair based on labor time and parts required.
Community Car Repair Resources
- ArborMotion– offers free vehicle inspection and will act as a second opinion as to whether your vehicle needs work. Call (734) 761-1088 or set up an appointment online.
- Friends In Deed– offers car repair assistance, transportation vouchers, and used cars to individuals and families who lack reliable transportation to work and/or to obtain medical treatment. Call the Help Line at (734) 484-4357 for more information.
- Mutual Aid Network of Ypsilanti– offers monthly Pull Over Prevention events, which include free car repairs (note: this group is run by volunteers and may not be able to fix all car issues). Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see upcoming events.
- Saline Area Social Service– offers emergency assistance for car repairs. Call (734) 429-4570 for more information.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul– can assist with some car repairs. Call (734) 761-8606 ext. 2901 for more information.
Trusted Care Repair Shops– the following shops have been suggested by Barrier Busters.
- Auto Ave (Ypsilanti) (734) 286-4970
- Convenience Auto Service- Liberty (734) 672-3509
- Convenience Auto Service- Jewett (Ann Arbor) (734) 768-0380
- Select Auto (Ann Arbor) (734) 677-1210
Other Community Resources– these resources can help cover the cost of taking the bus or arranging other rides while your car needs repairs.
- Manchester Community Resource Center– offers emergency funding for transportation to medical appointments.
- SOS Community Services– can help with AAATA bus pass applications, half-price bus passes, and bus tokens.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul– can help with bus tokens and half-price bus passes.
- Transportation Options in Washtenaw County via Senior Resource Connect (blog post)
Getting to Medical Appointments
- Non-Emergency Transportation from Health Insurance (most offered free of cost!)
- Blue Cross BlueCaid Cab 1-888-803-4947 (Must call 2 business days in advance).
- Meridian/SafeRide Health 1-800-821-9369 (Must call 3 business days in advance).
- Molina 1-888-898-7969 (Must call 3 business days in advance).
- Hope Clinic– offers bus tokens to patients so that they can get to appointments. Patients must call ahead to receive bus tokens and can obtain bus tokens once every 30 days.
- Packard Health– offers transportation vouchers for their patients.
- Michigan Medicine Department of Social Work– has limited resources to help patients with transportation to appointments.
- Feonix Mobility Rising/Vaccinate Washtenaw– offers free, accessible rides to doctor appointments, especially if the patient will be receiving a vaccine. Call (844) 900-4892 and use the code “Vaccinate Washtenaw” to get started.
