Mar 1
How Does Regular Vehicle Maintenance Help Save Money?
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Are you tired of spending so much time and money on vehicle repairs and the ever hiking gas price? Avoiding some of these costs requires you to maintain your car often? So how does regular vehicle maintenance help save money?
There are different ways regular services maintenance saves your money. Thus we did some research, and below are three ways how.
- It improves your gas efficiency
- It manages car problems before they escalate
- Prolongs the life of your car.
It’s easy to ignore car maintenance. But you’ll save yourself a lot of problems. Wondering how to give life to your car while not denting your wallet? Let’s find out more.
What Does Regular Car Maintenance Entail?
Understandably, you might not know the detailed operations of your car. However, it’s critical as a driver to know what car maintenance entails. Below we’ll illustrate essential areas to observe.
- Wipers and Visibility
It’s ideal for any driver to have clear visibility when driving. One way to achieve this is by having a clean windshield. Changing your wiper blades is easy, and you can even do it yourself. Another critical component is the washer fluid. Ensure its level doesn’t drop too low.
- Engine Oil
This is a crucial component in an efficiently running engine. Engine oil gets contaminated over time, and that’s why it’s vital to maintain adequate levels.
Most vehicles have engine oil indicators. However, you can check the engine oil level yourself or ask for help from a vehicle mechanic.
- Oil & Air filter
As you have guessed, these two components sieve out any unwanted elements. Changing the filters is critical but might be challenging as a do-it-yourself when trying to locate them in your hood.
Other notable components requiring maintenance include tires, brake fluid, spark plugs, brake pads, steering fluid, etc.
How Does Regular Vehicle Maintenance Help Save Money?
One of the numerous myths is that car maintenance is costly. On the contrary, you might end up paying more to fix major repairs in the future. Let’s break it down on how regular vehicle maintenance helps you save money.
- Prevent Major Repairs
Maintenance helps to prevent parts of your vehicle from extensive damage. For example, if you don’t replace your air filter regularly, unwanted particles might get into your engine, causing harm that will cost you.
Below is a table indicating the common types of maintenance and the resultant damages when maintenance is avoided. The costs will vary depending on the age of the car, the vehicle type, and the extent of the damage.
As a driver, you need to inspect your vehicle often for indicators that may harm your car’s performance.
2. Saves on Efficient Gas
Every car comes with a recommended maintenance schedule. Thus, if followed, it will maintain your vehicle by reducing the number of repairs and help your vehicle run more efficiently. If you properly maintain and support your vehicle, you can save money at the pump because the car will have better gas mileage over time.
So which maintenance areas should you focus on to attain maximum fuel-saving? Let’s find out.
- Fixing Defective Issues
Fixing a car that has failed an emissions test can improve gas mileage by 4% on average. However, results vary depending on the type of repair and how effectively it is done.
Fixing a significant maintenance issue, such as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, can increase your mileage by up to 40%.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
By keeping your tires filled to the correct pressure, you may boost your gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average. Tires that are correctly inflated are safer and last longer.
Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure is ordinarily available on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or glove box, as well as in your owner’s handbook. Do not exceed the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.
- Use the Correct Motor Oil Type
You should use the manufacturer’s suggested grade of motor oil. You can enhance your gas mileage by 1%–2%. Search for a vehicle performance sign that says “Energy Conserving” to ensure that the motor oil contains friction-reducing additives.
- Changing a Plugged-up Air Filter
Replacement of a clogged air filter on vehicles with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines or diesel engines does not improve fuel economy, but it enhances acceleration.
Under normal replacement conditions, replacing a clogged air filter on an older vehicle with a turbocharged engine can increase fuel economy and acceleration by a few percent.
There are various options available to change save on your fuel consumption.
3. Extending the Life of Your Car
Vehicles on the road operate for an average of eight years. A few basic things ensure that your car attains its golden years.
We’ve put together a list of simple recommendations to help you save money on gas and keep your car on the road for years to come.
- The Health of the Tire
Tires are one of the critical parts of the car’s interior and also the most ignored part. Three things will check off in your tire:
- Examine the Tread Depth
Check your tire tread depth to ensure you have enough traction to stay on the road. A simple approach to achieve this is to use the penny test. Place an upside-down coin in your tread. If the top of the head can be seen, it’s probably time for new tires.
- Monitor the Pressure Level
Make sure that your tires are correctly filled with air as needed. Always inspect your tires after they’ve sat for at least three hours or before you’ve driven one mile at a reasonable speed. Bleeding pressure from a heated tire is never a good idea.
- Check the Tire Condition and Age
It would help if you inspected your tires for any damage or circumstances that might need their replacement. In addition to tread depth and inflation pressure, look for cuts, scrapes, punctures, bulges, lumps, or cracks in the tread and sidewalls. Have a tire service specialist take a closer look if you notice anything strange.
- Adhere to the Servicing Schedule
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car in good shape and extend its life. Service intervals are determined by the amount of time or miles driven. Many modern vehicles include dashboard warning lights that illuminate when maintenance is required.
Changing the oil and oil filter and replenishing other fluids are all part of a minor service. A significant service may also include the replacement of the air filter, spark plugs, and cambelt, depending on the automobile and mileage.
- Keep Your Car’s Battery in Good Condition
The battery in your vehicle will degrade and run flat if you don’t use it for long periods. If your battery does go flat, jump-starting your car puts additional strain on it and may damage the engine management system and other sensitive components, resulting in increased wear. If you don’t have access to a trickle charger, you should aim to drive your car at least once a week — especially in the winter.
When Do You Need to Have Your Car Maintenance?
Knowing how often your automobile should be maintained is the first step toward saving money. Most car repair technicians recommend a comprehensive inspection every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The technician will inspect the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear at that time.
Below is a table showing the standard car maintenance and the timelines for replacement.
According to car experts; there’s no clear rule for when to replace parts of your car. Some items like windshield wiper blades, hoses, and rubber gaskets break at irregular intervals. Budget yourself accordingly to avoid being caught out when maintaining your car.
Be Prepared
As a vehicle driver, maintenance is critical not only for your safety but as a money saver. You need to understand the basics and be on the lookout for unordinary behavior in your car. Fortunately, advanced cars will inform you of anything on the dashboard.
As we’ve seen, damages to your vehicle due to neglect can be expensive. Old cars need more care than new ones. As a new driver, it’s essential to develop a habit of ensuring your vehicle is well kept.
Does this car talk appeal to you? Are you wondering how does regular vehicle maintenance help save money? Maybe a good mechanic should assist you in managing your vehicle repairs.
