The best way to save on unexpected engine and performance problems is to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Ensure all fluids and equipment are checked and replaced regularly, such as: oil, transmission, radiator, power steering, clutch, radiator, and brake fluid. Also, replace the air, oil, and fuel filters and have your brakes checked regularly. The life and safety of your tires can be increased by several thousand miles if they are rotated, balanced, and aligned periodically. Consult your vehicle owner's manual, a dealership, or a mechanic for the proper maintenance schedule for your car. Failure to keep your car regularly maintained will result in unexpected and costly problems in the future, including equipment failure in the middle of nowhere or when traveling at high speeds on the interstate.

        Typically, car maintenance stores offer many services under the same roof without having to drive around town for the individual services to be performed. Contact several stores determining the best price for the services required before you are surprised or pressured by a mechanic pointing out a recommended maintenance issue. Keep in mind the mileage and time frame recommendations from a store mechanic are typically different from the maintenance schedule in your vehicle's owner's manual. The decision is up to you to decide when items should be replaced/repaired, but don't replace/repair an item until necessary.

        Savings for tire care can be achieved by considering tire stores that offer a lifetime wheel alignment and balancing. Since the tires are taken off the wheel to balance them, the stores will include a tire rotation at no extra charge. You will typically pay two or three times as much for the lifetime service as opposed to a one-time purchase, but after the third or fourth use, the service will have paid for itself. Many stores typically anticipate customers will forget or ignore their lifetime service contracts and pay for the service each time it is requested thus providing the stores an opportunity to receive more money from the customer for a service that has already been purchased. Contact several stores asking for a price quote, then decide which one you are comfortable using. Have the tire wear checked when rotating your tires ensuring you do not have defective/worn tires. You do not want to discover your tires are prone to blow when traveling far from home.


Return to Cars Topics.