Not only do these hacks keep your repair costs down, but they will also keep your car in good shape for a long time.
What if we told you there is a way to drive your auto repair costs down? Let’s face it, being bogged down by auto repair every week should not be on your to-do list anymore.
There are quite a few hacks that you can use to avoid costly repairs. It doesn’t really matter if you own an old car or a new one, proper maintenance is important for driving down maintenance costs.
Good maintenance is not about having a car repair shop near the curb, it’s about using a few simple hacks to keep your vehicle in good shape. Not only do these hacks keep your repair costs down, but they will also keep your car in good shape for a long time!
Keep your auto repair costs down with these hacks
1. Find a good car repair shop near you
It’s important to choose an auto repair shop that is well equipped and offers a smooth experience. Most auto repair shops now use software for auto repair shop maintenance which is effective in streamlining operations.
When picking out a good repair shop near you, look at the following factors:
- Has a digital presence and uses an automotive repair software
- Has good positive customer reviews and a digital presence
- Compare the price range of vehicle repairs
- Check licence and certification
- Offers routine car maintenance
Nowadays, it really helps to pick a place with a good digital footprint. The public reviews on the website and social media definitely help you in deciding whether the car repair shop is a good fit for you. You should also watch out for expensive repairs, especially if the customers are claiming that the quality of service is not worth the prices.
There are quite a few shops that offer automotive service excellence, you just need to have a keen eye.
An auto shop equipped with software is also quite helpful because it can also offer you a digital inspection.
But that also depends on the type of software the shop has subscribed to. Some of the best auto shop maintenance software is quite powerful in offering customers a seamless repair experience.
For example, an auto repair shop software that raised funding is transforming chaotic repair experiences into seamless ones for customers!
Once you have picked the best auto repair shop for your needs, follow through with the next steps!
2. Be diligent about routine oil changes
The sad truth is that routine oil changes and checks on power steering fluid are often at the bottom of our to-do list. There are many reasons why people avoid oil changes and checking their power steering fluid but often they forget that they are some of the most important pillars of car maintenance and having your car serviced.
Routine oil changes are an important factor in determining the life of your vehicle’s engine. If you are worried about the frequent cost you will incur, think of it this way – the cost of an oil change is lesser than the cost of an engine overhaul!
Here’s why frequent oil changes are important:
- Oil lubes your car’s internals to keep it running smoothly
- Oil gets dirty over time
- Dirty oil can cause corrosions and blockages that can destroy your engine.
The recommended changes for each vehicle are different, so you will need to do your research to see how frequently your car requires it. Different vehicles may also require different oil types, so always check the oil type that your car’s manufacturer has recommended for you in the owner’s manual!
The owner’s manual is a great way to plan your vehicle maintenance checklist to avoid expensive repairs. So make sure you know the owner’s manual like the back of your hand. Honestly, being well versed in the owner’s manual really helps in planning repairs.
3. Invest in frequent brake inspections for safety
You should also be mindful of maintaining your car for safety. Sometimes, your car squeals on the road and you ignore the sounds in the frenzy of a hectic day.
But that’s being reckless – being careful about your brake inspections is important for your safety and for other people’s safety too!
A frequent, routine inspection of your brakes will ensure that the car’s brake system is lubricated and cleansed which will prevent future repairs.
This is the smart way of investing in your car’s maintenance, for safety and lower costs in the long run.
You will also be happy to know that some vehicle repair shops and dealerships even often brake inspections for free!
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
4. Keep checking your tire pressure & Opt for tire rotations
Good tire habits are also at the forefront of best car maintenance practices! Skipping frequent tire pressure checks and not getting your tires rotated can lead to premature wear and tear.
A vehicle’s tire health not only impacts vehicle life but can also be a safety hazard. It can also reduce fuel efficiency which causes alignment and suspension problems. You should check your tire pressure often and adjust as per requirements.
Also, get your tires rotated every time you opt for a brake inspection. Or a good rule of thumb to follow is, get your tires rotated every 6000-8000 miles to ensure they wear down evenly! Keep an eye on your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
5. Go for frequent and end to end vehicle inspections
More often than not, dealerships and auto repair shops conduct complete vehicle inspections before they hand over the cars to the customers. They conduct a thorough inspection of the car’s tires, fluids and the body panels.
There are many parts of a car and it can be difficult to spot which part is malfunctioning when the car breaks down. Hence, having a frequent and complete vehicle inspection can go a long way in preventing that from happening!
This can also spot a lot of potential issues which may occur in the future. Hence, it makes sure your car stays in good shape and acts as a good preventative measure!
6. Make sure you choose good driving habits
This goes without saying but good driving habits play an important role in your car health! Some vehicles are heavy duty and are particularly designed to be put through hell. For example, trucks and SUVs are generally more powerful.
But driving like you’re living in fast and furious is going to lead to some serious repair requirements in the future. For good driving habits, you should avoid redlining, hard braking, fast turns and also extreme speeding!
All of these driving habits can stress out your engine and also lead to some serious wear and tear. Invest in good driving habits to drive down your auto repair bill!
7. Get your car tuned as required
A regular tune up is again, one of the most important items on the car maintenance list. A standard tune up includes an inspection, maintenance and replacement (if required) of the fuel filter, air filter PCV valve, breather filter, spark plugs, belts, hoses, fluids and other parts.
Replacing faulty parts on time can really save up costs by protecting your engine! A standard tune up as required will also boost your vehicle performance.
The bottom line
Prevention is always better than cure, and you should apply this rule to your vehicles as well. Good car maintenance steps are integral in lowering your auto repair costs, boosting vehicle health and supporting road safety.
Sticking to our simple and logical 7 steps for good car maintenance practices will lead to many future benefits!
Main photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
