5 Must-Know Car Maintenance Tips
Did you know that the average cost of vehicle care each year is about $0.09 per mile that you drive? So, if you drive 20,000 miles this year, you’ll have to pay around $1800 in vehicle maintenance alone. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your vehicle maintenance costs, it helps to know some basic tips to keep your car in good shape.
Read on to learn the best vehicle care tips to help keep your car running with fewer trips to the auto repair shop.
- Don’t Skip Oil Changes
We’ve all done it before. We see the little sticker in our front windshield reminding us when it’s time for our next oil change and we ignore it. It’s easy to assume that an oil change isn’t that important, but don’t fall into that trap.
Oil helps keep your engine running properly, preventing issues like overheating. This can lead to more wear and tear on your car, which racks up the maintenance costs. Prevent this by taking your car in for an oil change based on your car manual’s mileage recommendation.
- The Outside Matters Too
When you think of car maintenance, you likely think about all the inner workings of your car. But, you need to take care of the outside as well. Be sure to wash your vehicle regularly to prevent damage to the paint from road grime, tree sap, and other residues.
Then, take it a step further by stocking up on some waxing tools to add an extra layer of protection to your paint’s clear coat. Meguiars car wax is a favorite of many car professionals, so you can’t go wrong with choosing that for your vehicle.
- Care for Your Tires
Your car’s tires literally take you where you need to go, so it’s critical that you don’t overlook them. Be sure to rotate and balance them so they wear out more evenly. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the tread and replace them when it gets too low.
Speaking of tires, don’t forget about your spare! Check it every so often to make sure that it’s in good shape so it’s ready if and when you need it.
- Watch the Wipers
When’s the last time you changed your wiper blades? As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to change them out every 3-6 months. This helps to ensure that they can clean your windshield, making it easier for you to see, which can help prevent an accident.
Fortunately, replacing your wiper blades is an inexpensive project.
- Be Mindful of How You Drive
Finally, remember that how you drive affects your car and how much maintenance it needs. If you accelerate too fast and hit the brakes hard, it takes a toll on your vehicle. If you aim to drive less aggressively, you’ll notice that your vehicle parts can last longer, saving you money in repairs.
Remember These Vehicle Maintenance Tips
Now that you’ve read through these vehicle maintenance tips, it’s time to show your car some love! By following this guide and caring for your car, you’ll save money and won’t have to worry about taking as many trips to the repair shop.
Interested in reading more like this? Check out our other articles before you go.