7 Ways to Reduce Car Maintenance Costs

Owning a vehicle is a major investment. In fact, the average driver spends about $12,182 a year to own and operate a new vehicle. 

The good news is that car maintenance costs are one of the flexible expenses that savvy car owners can control without breaking the bank or compromising performance. In this blog, we will look at seven practical tips to minimize car maintenance costs, from choosing the right insurance to making smart driving decisions.

1. Regular Preventive Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a must, as it is a primary cost-effective strategy to avoid larger expenses accumulating. Here’s what it includes:

• Perform Regular Inspection: Regularly check the brakes, batteries, and belts. This can forewarn you of potential issues before they turn into costly problems. For instance, a fallen battery could leave you stranded, leading to towing costs and emergency repairs.

• Check and Change the Oil: The engine is the heart of your car. Check the condition of your oil regularly and change it to prevent harmful deposits from building up. If you use conventional oil, changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is recommended. On the contrary, synthetic oils usually last longer and require change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

• Monitor Tire Pressure: Check for the status of your tires every two weeks and make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure to reduce wear and tear. This enhances fuel efficiency and improves safety. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that maintaining your tires can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%, which helps you save gas while driving.

• Replace Air Filters: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by about 10%, and it’s one of the cheapest maintenance tasks you can do to enhance engine performance. They cost between $20 and $25, and labor costs range from $100 to $150. It is advised to change air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

2. Shop Around for Car Insurance

The perfect car insurance must meet all your coverage needs without overpaying. Insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions, driving record, and credit score. Make sure to research well before settling on the coverage that suits you best.

• First, understand what type of coverage you need. Generally, a new and high-value vehicle might necessitate comprehensive coverage, while an older car might not require much coverage, especially if you’re planning to sell it soon.
• Second, take time to research the insurer’s customer reviews and claim process. Make sure that the company offers reliable support and efficient handling of claims. A company with responsive customer service can reduce the stress and inconvenience associated with vehicle repairs and claims paperwork.
• Third, compare car insurance quotes from different providers. Use online comparison tools to provide a quick and comprehensive look at the options based on your car model, driving history, and other factors.

If you’ve already been with an insurer for several years, negotiate with your insurance agents before the renewal. Don’t hesitate to discuss your current rate and ask if you qualify for certain promotional discounts, which can further lower your premiums.

3. Use High-Quality Parts

High-quality parts can be more expensive upfront. However, a one-time investment can prevent the parts from being damaged in the future and save you more money on repairs.

Opting for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts is best, as these parts are the official designs of your vehicle brand and are guaranteed to fit your model. OEM parts are usually the most expensive option, but their compatibility and quality are unmatched.

But if you don’t have the budget for OEM parts or can’t find them in your vicinity, look for high-quality aftermarket brands instead. Although the original car brand doesn’t manufacture these parts, they can still serve your vehicle type if you do your research well. Some well-known aftermarket brands include Bosch, Moog, and Denso, which offer prices usually lower than OEMs.

4. Learn Basic DIY Repairs

Sometimes, basic repairs can be done without taking your vehicle to a mechanic. Here are some DIY car maintenance skills you can master yourself and implement when there’s a need:

• Changing Air Filters: You can purchase air filters from any parts store. Locate your air filter in the engine bay, which can be found in a black plastic box, and replace the old one with the new filter. Make sure it fits snugly without gaps.

• Changing the Oil: You can buy oil from any parts store too. Warm up your engine for a few minutes and lift the car with jack stands. Locate the oil drain plug under your engine and place an oil collection pan underneath, removing the plug. Once the oil drains, replace the plug and remove the old oil filter, installing a new one. Refill with the recommended oil type and amount for your model.

• Replacing Windshield Wipers: This is another easy task you can learn to do yourself. Simply lift up the wiper arms from the windshield, press the small tab to pull it off, and attach the new blades by sliding them into the same position until they click.

• Installing New Headlight Bulbs: Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly. Remove the power connector, unlock the clip or cap holding the bulb, and carefully remove the old bulb. Insert the new one without touching the glass with your fingers so as not to leave marks, reattach the connector, and secure it.

• Checking and Refilling Fluids: Finally, you can check and refill fluids without the help of a mechanic to save costs. Identify where the reservoirs for brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are and check their levels against the marked indicators. Refill them as needed with the appropriate type of fluid.

5. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule

Your car’s manufacturer usually gives you a guide outlining when to perform certain maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Stick closely to that schedule to avoid costly repairs. This guide typically states exactly when to change oil and replace belts and fluids – based on mileage and your car model.

To keep track, maintain a logbook or use a digital app like Drivvo or aCar to record maintenance activities and receive reminders for upcoming services. Following this schedule helps avoid mechanical problems and maintain your warranty, resulting in reduced car maintenance costs.

6. Drive Smart to Reduce Wear and Tear

Smart driving can extend the life of your vehicle and reduce overall maintenance costs. Driving gently and carefully will minimize the wear and tear on your car’s critical components, from brakes to engine. Here are some tips you should implement any time you drive:

• Use cruise control on long roads to reduce fuel consumption and wear on the engine and brakes.
• Whenever safe, let your vehicle slow down naturally rather than hitting the brakes hard, as it saves your brake pads and rotors.
• Don’t slam on the gas pedal to reduce stress on the engine and transmission.
• For manual transmission vehicles, shift gears smoothly and accurately, and for automatic vehicles, avoid shifting between park and reverse while the car is still moving.
• Avoid carrying excess weight as it puts additional stress on your car’s suspension, brakes, and drivetrain.
• Try to maintain a steady speed, especially on highways, as it is easier for your car’s engine and improves fuel efficiency.

7. Take Advantage of Car Insurance Perks

Finally, don’t miss out on whatever is already given. Most insurance companies offer discounts that you might qualify for, including:

• Low Mileage: If you drive less than a certain distance yearly, you might qualify for a low mileage discount.
• Good Student: Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may qualify for this discount with some companies.
• Safety Features: Vehicles equipped with advanced safety measures may be eligible for discounts.
• Loyalty: Long-term customers can receive lower rates.

Beyond discounts, look out for other perks that can reduce your costs even further, including:

• Accident Forgiveness: Some policies include this coverage, which means your rates won’t increase after your first at-fault accident. This can be valuable over the long term, maintaining lower premiums despite accidents.
• Vanishing Deductibles: This is another perk that offers a decreasing deductible for each year you stay accident-free. It can reduce your out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.
• Roadside Assistance: While often mentioned as a discount, the intrinsic benefits of included or discounted roadside assistance can’t be overstated. This service can provide peace of mind for everything from a flat tire to a dead battery without additional cost.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a vehicle is as much about smart planning as it is about understanding your car’s needs. These seven strategies will help you save money and live better, ensuring your vehicle has a long life and remains reliable for years. Start your smart car care now.