It is the responsibility of every car owner to make sure that their vehicle is in the best condition it can possibly be in. Regular maintenance like routine oil changes, alignments, and tire rotations are an essential part of owning a vehicle. However, with busy schedules, work, and other obligations, it can be difficult to make time for these procedures at the shop. That being said, regular auto maintenance will not only keep your car running smoothly, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Staying on top of your vehicle’s upkeep will help ensure that it starts up every time you get behind the wheel. Taking care of the individual components will keep the rest of the vehicle in great shape and make your car as reliable as possible. This will keep your car out of the shop for the bigger, much more expensive repairs. Knowing how regular auto maintenance can save you money will help you make it a priority, even when your schedule is packed.
Perhaps the most immediate way that regular auto maintenance will save you money is the fact that it will prevent large repairs. Keeping your vehicle out of the shop for things like transmission problems, leaks, and misfires is the best way to make the true cost of ownership as low as possible. Nearly every vehicle will need to be repaired at some point but well-maintained cars tend to have fewer issues overall. This means that even though you have to pay for maintenance, it is much cheaper to do that than it is to wait until your car develops a serious problem.
Car problems have a domino effect that can affect the entire vehicle. What might start as a small problem like a leak or short can spread to other components that depend on the affected area to work. When you get regular auto maintenance, you can be certain that the smaller problems will be repaired or caught early. This can save you a lot of money down the road and prevent long stretches without your vehicle while it sits in the shop.
One of the constants of modern life is the fluctuation of fuel prices. For most Americans, especially those who rely on their car for their commutes, keeping fuel costs low is an important consideration. Regular auto maintenance is one of your best defenses against rising prices at the fuel pump. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, well-maintained vehicles get an average of four percent better fuel economy than cars that have been neglected in their upkeep.
Regular auto maintenance procedures will help your car’s engine run at its highest possible efficiency. For example, old spark plugs will not burn fuel at the correct rate, which will cause a lot of wasted gas that is being dumped into the combustion chamber. A dirty air filter will affect the fuel and oxygen ratio of the engine as well, which can greatly reduce gas mileage. All of these issues can be prevented if you are getting regularly-scheduled auto maintenance.
One of the best reasons to get regular auto maintenance is the fact that it will help prevent breakdowns out on the road. A breakdown can be a major inconvenience and an incredibly stressful event. Making sure that your vehicle is well-maintained and in good working order will reduce your need for jumps, tows, and other roadside assistance procedures. Being sure that your car will get you to your destination is a major stress reliever as well as a money saver.
Towing is one of the most expensive roadside assistance services and if you are good about getting regular auto maintenance, you don’t have to worry about paying for it. The average tow in the United States costs $109 but if you are far away from a shop on a road trip, it can be as much as $600. With regularly-scheduled auto maintenance, you can rest easy knowing that your car will keep running and you won’t be waiting for a tow on the side of the highway. This is why it is so important to get all your auto maintenance done before heading out on a long drive.
Insurance is a major expense for any car owner and keeping premiums down should be a top priority. Many insurance companies offer incentives and discounts to people who stay up-to-date with their auto maintenance procedures. These are part of an effort to reduce carbon emissions and make vehicles greener all over the country. Regular auto maintenance will help your vehicle run cleaner and insurance companies want to incentivize you to make that effort.
Regular auto maintenance can also reduce your insurance premiums by preventing accidents and making your vehicle as safe as possible. Well-maintained cars will be much safer on the road than vehicles that have been neglected. Procedures like regular brake pad changes and light bulb replacements will help keep you and other drivers safe. Fewer accidents means lower premiums and a better overall experience with your insurance company.
It is important to remember that your vehicle has a resale value and maintaining that value is the key to making the most of it as an investment. If you are planning on selling your car at any point, regular auto maintenance is essential. While the miles on the odometer will play a big part in how much it will be worth, not all miles are equal. If you have stayed on top of your auto maintenance, buyers will be much more likely to pay a higher price for your car.
If you want to retain your vehicle’s value, be sure to keep detailed auto maintenance documentation. Save all your invoices for things like oil changes, tire rotations, and coolant flushes. This way, you can show prospective buyers that you have kept up with maintenance and that the vehicle is in excellent condition. People will be much more willing to pay a higher price for a car that they can be sure is in good shape.
Auto maintenance is not only your responsibility as a car owner, it is also a smart financial decision. With so many variables contributing to the true cost of ownership for your vehicle, doing everything you can to keep it down will help save you a lot of money in the long run. Regular upkeep and preventive maintenance is the key to keeping your costs low and enjoying your car for many years to come.
If you want the best auto maintenance for your vehicle, ServiceUp is here for you. With one easy-to-use dashboard to help you manage your maintenance, collision, and mechanical repair needs, it has never been easier to get your vehicle fixed by qualified, experienced technicians. Whether you need simple oil changes or major body work, ServiceUp will take care of everything and get you back on the road. Get an estimate today to find out how ServiceUp can help!