Can't afford the repair?

Finding out what's wrong is the first step. If the fix costs more than you can pay right now, these options may help, starting with local nonprofits in Dallas–Fort Worth.

Free and low-cost repair programs

Drive Grace

Fort Worth · serves Tarrant County

Provides car repairs at minimal or no charge for lower-income individuals and families facing financial hardship. Each repair starts with a diagnostic check and ends with a session on how to maintain your vehicle.

drivegrace.org · Support@drivegrace.org

Metro Auto Ministry

Denton · serves Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin, Rockwall and Johnson counties

Provides free mechanical and light body repairs and offers no-interest, below-market car loans to low-income drivers.

metroautoministry.org · metroautoministry@gmail.com

Programs set their own eligibility rules and may have waiting lists. Contact them directly to see if you qualify.

Other ways to lower the cost

• Check for a recall. If your problem is covered by a safety recall, a dealer fixes it for free. GarageGuide's troubleshooter checks recalls for your vehicle, or you can look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Call 2-1-1. 211 Texas is a free, 24/7 line that connects you with local help, including transportation and emergency assistance programs.
• Get a written estimate, and a second one for big jobs. Knowing the likely cause before you go in makes it easier to tell whether a quote makes sense.
• Ask what has to be fixed now and what can wait. A shop can often separate safety repairs from ones that can wait until you can afford them.
• Do the simple parts yourself. Many fixes, like a battery, wiper blades, or a gas cap, are beginner jobs. The troubleshooter tells you how hard a repair is before you decide.

Know a program we should list?

If you run or know a car repair assistance program in Dallas–Fort Worth, let us know on our support page and we'll take a look.