It can be tempting to use your credit card to pay for an emergency car repair, especially if you’re in a rush and need your car to be in working order right away. For a small repair that costs $100 or less, your credit card might be an ok option but for larger repairs that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, using your credit card could double or triple the cost of the repair in the long run. High-interest rates, short payment cycles, and the constant threat of never-ending credit card debt are all reasons why you should not charge your vehicle repairs. Acquiring a small loan to finance a car repair, on the other hand, is a much smarter move.