Most people’s
knowledge of cars is turn the key and they work, well that make sure that they
a have a full tank of gas. However, sometimes, your vehicle is going to need some
maintenance and that can get costly if you haven’t planned ahead.
Here
are some tips to help keep those car maintenance costs low.
·
Pick the
Most Reliable Car - The best way to save on auto maintenance is the simplest
of all: Buy a car that’s going to require relatively little work. If you spend
a few hours browsing the web you’ll quickly get a sense for which makes and
models are most reliable. Some model years of otherwise-good cars can be
problematic, so don’t assume you can skip the research if you’ve previously had
a good experience with a particular model.
·
Shop
Around for the Best Deal - If you’re in need of automotive maintenance,
shop around. The dealership will always be your default choice for any
maintenance or repairs that are covered by the car’s warranty. But if you’re
footing the bill, it pays to check prices. The difference between different
mechanics’ prices might surprise you. Some types of routine car maintenance
recur frequently — like oil changes, brakes and mufflers — and prices on those
tend to be fairly competitive.
·
Stick to
a Schedule - If there’s a single piece of car maintenance advice you’ll
hear more than any other, it’s probably that keeping up on your routine
maintenance will save you money in the long run. Getting your car serviced
regularly, the argument goes, keeps it in top condition and allows you — or
your mechanic — to spot potential issues before they become serious. Kelley
Blue Book, an authority on resale value, recommends regular maintenance to
preserve your vehicle’s worth. Remember to document all of your auto
maintenance and keep the receipts so you can prove you’ve taken good care of
your ride to a potential buyer.
·
Watch for
Coupons and Offers - This is the flip side of shopping around for a
mechanic when you need work done, and it’s a side benefit of doing your car
maintenance on a set schedule. If you know you’re going to need a brake job or
an oil change soon, look for coupon offers or other specials ahead of time. Similarly,
you might find that your local dealership offers some sort of loyalty package
that includes discounted service as a way to keep bringing you back to the lot.
·
Learn How
to DIY - One cost-saving measure is handling DIY car repairs or maintenance
when it’s practical. At its simplest level, that can simply mean learning how —
and how often — to check the various fluids in your car and top them off. Changing
your wiper blades is another simple task — though you can often get them
installed for free with your purchase — and so is checking the pressure in your
tires and reinflating them at your gas station. You’ll find plenty of YouTube
videos and online tutorials to guide you, including many from professional
mechanics or auto parts suppliers.
·
Check for
Secret Warranties - If your car is included in an actual safety recall,
you’ll be notified to bring it in for a free repair at your nearest dealership.
That’s reassuring — and sometimes lifesaving — but you might be wondering how
to find out about problems that never reach the recall stage. If so, check for
any “associated documents,” which often instruct the dealers to perform the
repair for free or at a sharply discounted rate as a gesture of goodwill. These
bulletins are often referred to as “secret warranties” because manufacturers
generally don’t make a point of letting owners know about them.
And as always
stop by Driver’s Choice and we can set you up with the best service in the Quad
Cities. Check out our inventory of the area’s best selection of used cars and
contact
use today to set up an appointment
