How to Maintain Your Car and Save from Major Repair Costs

Make a daily habit of checking and maintaining your car.

Keeping up with your car’s maintenance is probably one of the most exhausting and repetitive things on your to-do list. However, despite the grueling process, maintaining your car is essential for the state of your vehicle and your finances.

Why? That’s because a well-maintained car will need fewer visits to the repair shop and less amount spent on repairs. Car owners often lament the state of their wallets after a major car repair. However, did you know you can prevent that with just a few daily routines?

Here’s how to maintain your car and save yourself from major repair costs!

Spare Tire Check

Let’s say you’re driving down the road when you get a flat tire. But you feel confident because you have a spare tire! But what will happen if you check on your spare only to see that it’s flat, too? This is the kind of scenario you don’t want to happen to you.

To avoid this, ensure that you check and test not only your tires but also your spare tire at least once a month. It’s much better to spend a small amount for the test and checking than to spend hundreds for towing your car to the mechanic shop.

Oil Change

Oil is an essential element in your car, which is considered the lifeblood of your vehicle. Oil lubricates the moving parts, reducing friction to prevent overheating and corrosion. Changing your oil can help a lot, helping you avoid costly oil problems. It’s recommended that you perform an oil change every 5,000 miles, or you can follow the instructions of your car’s manufacturer.

Brake Pad Replacement

The brakes are one of the most important parts of your car that ensure your safety. It must be in good working condition because it might save a life one of these days. Therefore, if you notice that your brakes are squeaking or making strange noises whenever you hit the brake pedal, have them checked ASAP.

Replacing them might sometimes come with a heavy price tag, but if it means saving you from an accident, then that price is worth it. Additionally, when changing oil, check your brake fluids and ensure it doesn’t turn dark. If it’s dark, you should have that changed sooner rather than later. 

Rotate Your Tires

Not everyone knows this fact, but rotating your tires can significantly extend the lifespan of your tires. This is because the wheels don’t wear down at the same time. With regular tire rotation, you only get to pay for rotating them instead of paying by replacing all four tires. It’s recommended that you rotate your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for optimal results.

Inspect Your Spark Plugs

If oil is a vehicle’s lifeblood, the engine is the heart. Fuel is changed into power, enabling your car to start and run. One of the vital parts of the engine is your spark plugs. Most of the time, they’ll be the cause of why you’re struggling with your engine.

If this is the case, checking your spark plugs for any signs of problems can go a long way. You’ll be able to know that your spark plugs need changing. Checking your spark plugs won’t cost you a thing as long as you know what to watch out for. Replacing them is much cheaper than an engine overhaul. It’s recommended to check and change your spark plugs around every 30,000 miles.

The Little Things Matter

Checking vehicle parts if they’re in working order may seem simple. But little things like a simple routine check can help you detect early signs of potential problems. What’s more, you can do some of these on your own. If you can prevent the minor issues yourself, you don’t have to worry about it worsening and paying a huge amount to repair it.

Whenever you’re doing a routine check, keep a checklist in mind. This can help you cover all the bases and not miss anything. Doing so lets you keep your car in top condition while avoiding costly car repairs.

If you want a thorough check and know your car's overall condition, call us! Our mobile mechanics at Salt Lake City Mobile Mechanic can come to you and check on your car for your convenience.