Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
According to the AAA, the average motorist will spend $800 dollars a year on car maintenance, which is roughly $88 a month. While this is a necessary expense, especially as you cannot put a price on safety, it is something that many people struggle to afford – especially in the current climate.
Fortunately, there are many different ways in which you can save on vehicle maintenance and repairs while also ensuring that your vehicle remains roadworthy.
Know what to look out for.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the sooner you address an issue, the cheaper it will be to resolve. After all, this means that you’re not then giving a minor issue a chance to develop into a serious problem that could cause lasting damage to your car.
As such, you should carry out regular inspections of your car, keeping an eye out for the ‘warning’ signs of maintenance issues. For example, if you notice that your vehicle feels unsteady when driving (often described as a vibrating sensation), this could indicate that your tires are damaged.
Of course, you should also pay close attention to your vehicle’s warning lights. Remember, they are a key sign that something has gone wrong and must be addressed – not a suggestion that you can ignore, no matter how disruptive they may be. While this may seem obvious, 44% of drivers admit to failing to address warning lights immediately.
Learn some of the basics of car maintenance.
While there are some maintenance tasks that you should leave to the experts, others you should be able to carry out yourself – therefore cuttting down on the costs associated with car maintenance and repairs.
For example, there are plenty of guides online that talk you through basic car maintenance tasks. This could include replacing your tyres, changing engine oil and filters, or replacing spark plugs. While this may seem daunting to begin with, they are relatively quick fixes, and you can then avoid the costs of taking your car into the garage.
In order to carry out these tasks to the best of your ability, you should consider investing in some basic car tools and supplies, such as:
- A jack
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Jumper Cables
While this does require some investment on your end, there are plenty of ways to save money when buying these essential tools. For example, you could always buy them second-hand as opposed to brand new. They’ll still serve the same function, with the only difference being the amount of money you pay for them. In some cases, shopping online as opposed to in-store means that you can access exclusive discount codes, too!
Make an effort to drive safely.
Making a concentrated effort to drive safely is another great way to save money on vehicle maintenance and repairs. After all, this reduces the chances of you causing any damage to your car. For example, you should avoid accelerating too quickly, as this can cause damage to your car’s engine or motor.
In addition to this, being a generally more cautious driver can lower the chances of being involved in accidents, especially those triggered by a lack of hazard awareness or attentiveness. (Fact: distracted driving is one of the key causes of car accidents).
Buy parts second-hand.
Whether you’ve taken your car into a repair shop or are tyring to address the maintenance issues yourself, you can also save a considerable amount of money by purchasing car parts second hand. However, you should do plenty of research into the seller ahead of time to ensure that they are a reputable provider and that the parts have been thoroughly tested. This ensures that they will work efficiently without putting your health and safety at risk when you get behind the wheel.
Shop around for the best deal.
Whenever you’re dealing with car maintenance issues, you’ll likely want to get them resolved as soon as possible so that you can get back to your normal routine. However, it’s important that you do not let this sense of urgency cloud your judgment by accepting the first price you are quoted.
Instead, reach out to different repair companies and garages to see who can offer you the best price. In some cases, you may also be able to set up a payment plan where you pay for the repairs or maintenance in instalments. While this does not make the overall price of car repairs cheaper, it does make it a lot more manageable, as you can spread the cost out over several months rather than scrambling to pull together an upfront sum.
Finally, you may also be able to bring the cost of car maintenance down by negotiating the price with the mechanic or salesperson.
Have your car checked over annually.
Even if you have not experienced any maintenance issues and feel as though your car is in good shape, it’s generally advised that you get your car inspected by a professional at least once a year. This allows you to take preventative action to keep your vehicle running smoothly without interruptions! They’ll also be able to provide you with more insight into the steps you can take to look after your car.
Final thought.
In short, there are numerous steps that you can take to cut down on the cost of car maintenance. From shopping for second-hand parts to learning how to carry out basic car maintenance yourself, all of the tasks outlined above can help you save money while ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
However, it is important to remember that this is a task that is often worth investing your money in. After all, ignoring maintenance issues, no matter how minor they seem, will only result in costlier damages in the future, which, in some cases, could write off your vehicle entirely. Not only that, but a poorly maintained vehicle will also put you (and other motorists) at risk each time you get behind the wheel.
