5 Money Saving Car Maintenance Tips for the Average Driver
Your automobile is a big investment. Whether you own your car outright, or you’re still paying monthly to payoff or lease your vehicle, you'll still have to plan for regular car maintenance expenses— not to mention the gas prices that are still much higher than we would like them to be!
At V&F Auto, we're here to help you keep your car running its best— while also saving you some money along the way. While it may seem counterintuitive, keeping up with a regular maintenance and service schedule is actually a proven way to save money in the long run. It’s a lot cheaper to maintain your car with minor services than it is to get a major engine repair or transmission replacement.
To help you keep your car, truck, SUV, minivan, or hybrid vehicle driving smoothly— and keep some extra cash in your wallet— check out these five money-saving car maintenance tips from our expert mechanics.
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated to reflect current best practices.
5 Money-Saving Car Maintenance Tips
1. Get your oil changed. Oil changes are key to extending the life of your engine. Without regular oil changes, your engine will become clogged with dirt, gunk and sludge and will no longer be able to function— leaving you stranded with an expensive repair bill. 2. Wash your car. Washing the outside and underside of the vehicle regularly will do wonders for your wallet. Excess dirt and mud that may be stuck under your car can slow it down and reduce gas mileage. Debris and salt from the road can also ruin your vehicle’s paint job and cause premature rust if not washed off regularly. 3. Get a transmission flush. It's always a good idea to change your transmission and differential oils according to the service schedule in your owners manual. Similar to keeping up with your oil changes, failing to get a transmission flush in a timely fashion can cause your transmission to become clogged and fail. 4. Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires will both decrease your gas mileage and put you at risk for tire blowouts, both of which can result in costly repairs. Changing seasons, temperatures, and weather will alter your tire pressure so it’s important to check your tires regularly. 5. Keep your vehicle lubricated. Anything with moving parts needs to have sufficient grease to survive. Simply ask your mechanic to check your vehicle’s fluids to make sure they are clean and adequate.
At V&F
When you’re due for any of the above car maintenance services, the friendly team at V&F Auto will be happy to answer all of your questions and complete any auto services you may need. We’ve been dedicated to providing reliable automotive repair services to keep Agawam, Southwick, Feeding Hills and West Springfield, MA drivers safe on the road! Simply stop by, give us a call or easily schedule your appointment online today, and we’ll make sure your vehicle stays in top shape.
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated to reflect current best practices.