Auto repairs bills can be staggering. It’s not uncommon to pay hundreds to thousands on repairs. What you thought would be a simple oil change turns into the need for so much more.
How can you prevent these big costs? Let’s take a closer look at how to save money on auto maintenance.
Use the Right Fuel
If you look in your car’s manual, you’ll find the exact type of gas your car is made to run on. If you’ve been running your car with the wrong fuel, speak to a mechanic about whether you should switch or not.
In some cases, if you’ve run your car on the wrong fuel (such as a higher grade then necessary) your car may now need that type of fuel. If you’ve just purchased your car, read the manual and use the right fuel.
Stay Ahead of the Game
Again, your manual will have a maintenance schedule. Read this thoroughly and get maintenance done as needed. In other words, don’t put off an oil change (or other regular maintenance). Track your mileage and schedule appointments for maintenance on time. This will help prevent costly repairs.
Clip Those Coupons
Many car dealers have coupons for oil changes and other car maintenance. Before getting anything done, check to see if there are coupons available. This is a must if you’re getting brakes or tires changed as it can save you a lot of money.
We just saved $70 when we got 4 new tires at Costco for my husband's vehicle. If you go elsewhere, many tire manufacturers offer rebates when you buy a set of 4 tires. Be sure to check the website.
Take Care of Your Car
If you live in an area where it snows, you definitely want to make sure you’re getting your undercarriage washed. Not doing so can cause a lot of rust to develop. If you’re driving on roads that were salted, get your car cleaned often. You should also have your car maintained before winter to handle the brutal temperatures.
Breakup with the Dealership
Unless your car dealership offers amazing deals, consider finding a different mechanic. You want to find a trustworthy mechanic that has experience and is recommended by trusted friends and family members. A good mechanic will go out of their way to save you money, not find more ways to get you to spend your money.
We found our mechanic in our local Facebook group. Everyone had something good to say about them, so we tried them out and love them. If you have to spend money on auto repairs, at least I feel confident that it's something that really needs to be fixed.
Related: 5 Amazing Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance and Repairs
Car maintenance can be pricey. Thankfully, there are ways to save. In many cases, it’s as simple as taking care of your car and going by the manual. Being proactive can go a long way in helping you save money on car maintenance.
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