One of the most important parts of owning a car is being able to take care of it. This means knowing how to perform basic maintenance tasks and being able to spot problems before they become expensive repairs.

If you learn how to save money on car maintenance and repairs, then you can do your part in making sure that your vehicle lasts for decades!

5 ways to save money on car maintenance

Shop Around To Find A Trustworthy Mechanic.

When it comes to finding a reliable mechanic, it’s best to do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from friends, family and colleagues; if they’ve had a positive experience with the mechanic then chances are you will too.

Ask for a written estimate of all the services that need doing on your car, as well as how much each individual service will cost.

Read through this carefully and make sure every detail is spelled out clearly before signing off on any repairs or maintenance work.

Be wary of any mechanics who try to sell you unneeded services (such as oil changes), as this could end up costing more than necessary in the long run.

Keeping your vehicle running smoothly can help prevent costly repairs down the road. In our guide on 15 Expert Car Maintenance Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Health, you’ll learn how to keep your car in top shape and avoid breakdowns.

Don’t Run Out Of Oil

The most common car repair is an oil change, which usually costs between $40 and $100. As a rule of thumb, you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first). If you’re driving more than 30 miles per day, do it every 2,500 miles or two months.

If you’re not sure how much to add when checking your oil level and topping off the tank with fresh oil, just ask the person doing the work if they can help guide you.

They’ll be happy to show you how much to put in so that it’s not too little or too much; they want to keep their customers happy!

You can check whether there’s enough in there simply by looking at it through a window when parked on level ground but if this isn’t possible (because of weather conditions), all cars should have an easy way for drivers like us who don’t know what we’re doing yet with cars but still want them anyway despite our ineptitude at using them properly…

Safety is paramount when it comes to driving, and proper car maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle safe on the road. Check out our article on The Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe on the Road to learn how you can keep yourself and others safe while driving.

Change Your Air Filter.

If you’ve ever had your car serviced, chances are the mechanic has reminded you to change your air filter. That’s because a dirty air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to 10% and increase emissions.

But all too often, people don’t bother taking care of their vehicle’s most important part until it’s too late—and then they have to replace it at a much higher cost than if they’d changed it when they were supposed to. To avoid this scenario:

Check your vehicle manual for the recommended mileage at which you should change your air filter (it will likely be between 12,000 miles and 15,000 miles).

Buy an inexpensive tool kit that includes an oil wrench, tire pressure gauge and other basic tools; some stores offer free equipment rentals if yours isn’t included with your service contract or maintenance plan.

Buy an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement part from wherever you bought your car or online retailers like Amazon so that there are no compatibility issues with other parts in place elsewhere in the car such as spark plugs or shocks/struts/springs etc…

Check The Tire Pressure Regularly

Checking your tire pressure is quick and easy. Make sure to use a quality digital or dial tire pressure gauge, as analog gauges with needles can be inaccurate.

After parking the car for at least 30 minutes, check all four tires by placing the gauge on top of each valve and slowly releasing the air until you reach 20 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your tires are under inflated, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from them when releasing air from the valve.

The correct amount of PSI depends on what type of car you have and where you live; check with your mechanic if you’re not sure how much PSIs to inflate your tires to.

Developing a long-term maintenance plan for your vehicle is essential to avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly. Check out our article on The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Ownership to learn how to keep your vehicle in top condition.

Schedule Regular Oil Changes

There are a few signs that your car needs an oil change, but the most obvious is when your vehicle starts to make some weird noises.

Another sign of an overdue oil change is a dashboard warning light that reads “check engine.” If you see either of these things, it’s time to get in touch with your mechanic and schedule an appointment for an oil change.

Regularly changing your vehicle’s oil is important because it keeps the internal engine parts clean and operating smoothly.

By not changing the oil regularly, you run the risk of damaging the motor by allowing dirt, dust and other contaminants into its inner workings.

If you don’t change your car’s motor oil as often as recommended by manufacturers (most cars call for every 3 months), then this buildup can cause malfunctioning sensors or electrical problems as well as reduce fuel economy since less efficient engines take more energy to operate than healthy ones do!

Brand	Recommended Intervals
Mobil 1	Every 7,500-15,000 miles or every 6 months (depending on product)
Royal Purple	Every 12,000 miles or every 1 year
Pennzoil	Every 7,500 miles or every 6 months (depending on product)
Valvoline	Every 5,000-7,500 miles or every 6 months (depending on product)
Castrol	Every 7,500 miles or every 6 months (depending on product)

Key Takeaway: Regularly scheduling and adhering to manufacturer recommendations for oil changes can help extend engine life, improve fuel economy, and improve overall vehicle performance. The recommended intervals for oil changes may differ based on the brand and type of oil you choose to use in your vehicle.

Have The Transmission Checked Periodically

Transmission fluid keeps the transmission working smoothly and should be checked every 30,000 miles. The transmission fluid needs to be changed about every 100,000 miles or so.

You can check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often to change your car’s transmission fluid, but if you are unsure of when to change it, ask your mechanic first!

Get Your Brake Pads Replaced Before They Wear Out Completely.

Brake pads are one of the most important parts of your car, and they should be replaced when you notice them getting worn out.

This is usually a sign that it is time to get them replaced, but sometimes your brake pads can last longer than expected if you drive less than average or only drive in good weather conditions.

If your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced, do not wait until they completely wear down because this could cause problems with your vehicle’s braking system.

Even though the brake pad will still work after being completely worn down, chances are that it won’t be able to perform as well as when it was new.

Routine car maintenance can save you money on costly repairs in the future. In our guide on 10 Car Maintenance Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore, you’ll find tips on how to keep your car in good condition and avoid expensive repairs.

Replace Spark Plugs And Wires As Needed

Spark plugs and wires should be replaced every 60,000 miles (or every two years). They are designed to wear out over time and need to be replaced at the recommended interval.

It’s important not only to replace your spark plugs and wires with the correct type of part (such as platinum-tipped spark plugs or iridium-tipped spark plugs), but also with parts made by the same manufacturer.

Type of Maintenance	Recommended Intervals
Spark plugs	Replace every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on brand)
Spark plug wires	Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on brand)

Avoid Idling For Long Periods Of Time

Avoid idling for long periods of time. Idling wastes fuel, reduces engine life and increases emissions.

If you are going to be stopped for a long period of time, turn the engine off. If you are going to be stopped for a short period of time, turn off the air conditioning and heater (and lights).

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Rotating your tires regularly is one of the easiest ways to save money on car maintenance, and it’s something you can do at home. The frequency at which you rotate your tires depends on a few factors:

How often you drive

The age of your car
The make and model of your car

If you’re simply driving around town and not doing much highway driving, rotating once every other oil change is probably fine.

If, however, you spend a lot of time commuting or travel long distances frequently, then twice per year might be more appropriate.

To rotate the tires on your vehicle, use an old-fashioned screwdriver to remove each tire in turn from its hubcap; then turn them 180 degrees (so that they are facing in a different direction). Replace them back into their original position before putting everything back together again.

Keep An Eye On The Engine’s Coolant Level And Change The Fluids Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly is to keep an eye on the engine’s coolant level and change it regularly.

Coolant plays a vital role in your vehicle’s engine, keeping it from overheating and allowing it to function properly at all times.

If you’re not sure how much coolant goes into your car, check out our guides for checking and changing both the radiator fluid and power steering fluid on most vehicles.

If you don’t change the fluids in your vehicle often enough, they will begin to break down over time, causing leaks that could lead to more serious problems later down the road. Make sure that if there is any rust or corrosion inside of these tanks, remove them then replace them with new ones before refilling them with fresh fluids!

Type of Maintenance	Recommended Intervals
Engine coolant	Check every 3 months, flush every 2-3 years or every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on brand)
Oil and oil filter change	Every 3,000-5,000 miles or every 6 months (depending on brand/type of oil)
Transmission fluid	Check every 50,000-100,000 miles, replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on brand)
Brake fluid	Check every 2 years, replace every 2-3 years (depending on brand)
Power steering fluid	Check every 50,000 miles, replace every 100,000 miles (depending on brand)

Key Takeaway: Regularly checking and maintaining engine coolant levels and changing fluids at recommended intervals can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle and prevent costly repairs down the line. Depending on the type of fluid and brand recommendations, intervals may vary.

Conclusion

The best way to avoid costly car repairs is to keep an eye on your vehicle and make sure everything is working properly.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to save money on everything from oil changes and tire rotations to transmission fluid changes and spark plugs.

FAQs

How can I save money on car maintenance?

To save money on car maintenance, you can do some tasks yourself such as changing oil, air filter, and cleaning battery terminals, among others. You can also maintain a regular maintenance schedule, read the owner’s manual, and use quality parts and fluids.

What are some common car repairs that can be costly?

Some of the most common and costly car repairs include engine replacements, transmission repairs, brake replacements, and suspension fixes. Regular maintenance and proper driving can prevent some of these repairs.

Should I do my own car repairs?

It depends on your expertise and the extent of the repair. Simple repairs such as changing oil or inflating tires can be done by most people, while complex repairs require specialized skills and equipment. If you’re not sure, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

How can I negotiate car repair costs?

You can negotiate car repair costs by getting multiple estimates from different shops and comparing prices. Knowing what needs to be repaired and what a fair price is can help you negotiate with the mechanic or service center.

How can I find a reliable car repair shop?

To find a reliable car repair shop, you can ask for recommendations from friends and family, check online reviews, and look for certifications such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or BBB (Better Business Bureau).