Finding out which automotive services can help you save money is important. These affordable services can help maintain your car’s health and prevent breakdowns. Of course, if your car does break down, you can rely on a credible car insurance provider. You can check out customer feedback, like those in CarShield reviews, to get the most suitable coverage for your vehicle.
In the meantime, here are some automotive services that can help you save on car maintenance costs.
Regular Oil Change
Oil changes should be a regular service for old and new cars. This prevents huge car repairs down the road. Engine care professionals recommend having this car service every 5,000 to 7,500 miles on newer cars. Older cars must go through more frequent oil changes. It depends on how far or how often you drive.
Even if you do not reach 5,000 miles, your car still needs to have an oil change every year to maintain its health. A standard oil change costs about $25 to $55. A car that uses synthetic oil can have an oil change at least every 10,000 miles. An oil change using this oil can cost $45 to $70. Changing your filter can cost an additional $5 to $15. Changing your car’s oil is not that expensive but it can help prevent costly repairs.
Wheel Balancing and Alignment
Keeping your car’s wheels balanced and in proper alignment can keep you safe on the road.
Unbalanced and misaligned wheels lead to early tire wear. Worn tires lead to blowouts. It is also unsafe to drive on these wheels because they make it difficult to control your vehicle. Wheel balancing will cost about $26 to $35. Meanwhile, wheel alignment can set you back $120 to $140.
Air Filter Replacement
The price of air filters can be somewhere between $25 and $45. The labor costs add to the final amount. This is a car service you should get whenever the air filter becomes dirty. If you know how to replace the filter, you can save on labor costs. If you do not know how, the replacement will set you back $60 to $90.
Tire Rotation
Mechanics recommend rotating the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This will set you back about $35 to $45. Some dealers and mechanics offer this service for free if you are currently getting other car services.
Tire Replacement
Low-end tires can cost about $50 to $60. Standard tires with moderate prices cost $100 to $300. High-end ones can set you back at least $350 to $400. You can buy two new tires at a time and place these two new tires in the back of the car. Then, you can rotate the older tires to the front.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacing your wiper blades as soon as you notice problems is necessary. Some of the common issues are:
Chirping noise
Leaves streaks behind
Worn rubber edge
Pauses or stops while wiping
This service ensures your safety while driving in the rain. It may cost $55 to $90 for the whole service. If you know how to do it yourself, you can save at least $25.
Regular Maintenance Service
For this car service, you should keep a close eye on our mileage. This is key to saving money during your regular maintenance. Bringing your car in every 40,000 miles will keep the costs between $55 and $95. If you bring your car in at 100,000 miles, get ready to pay somewhere between $220 and $320.
Antifreeze Change
You can top off your coolant by yourself. Just buy a jug from a car store and pour it into the radiator. In some cases, like when you need a coolant flush, you’ll need professional help. This service will cost between $90 and $120.
Battery Replacement
You should replace your car battery every three to five years, but this schedule can depend on several factors. Exposure to extreme weather, not using the car for long periods, and leaving the interior or tail lights on can drain your car battery.
A car battery replacement can set you back about $60 to $200. This depends on the model and make of your car. The location of the store and the quality of the battery also contribute to the price.
It is not that expensive to replace your car battery. But you can save more on battery replacement if you lengthen the life of your battery. A healthy battery can prevent frequent battery changes. This is possible by following some tips:
Make sure all electronics are off when the engine is off.
Clean the car battery regularly.
Use the car regularly.
Keep the car inside the garage during extreme hot or cold weather.
Brake Pad Replacement
The need to replace your brake pads will depend on how often you use your brakes. People in the city need to replace their brake pads more often than those who drive on freeways or live in the country. The replacement interval also depends on your driving habits. Sudden stops and tailgating will result in frequent brake pad replacements.
You will know if you need this car service if your brakes make a screeching sound. A newer vehicle will have its indicator light on. This will tell you that you should visit a repair shop. Brake pads cost $35 to $150. With labor, the price can range between $115 and $270 for each axel. Factors like your car’s model, location, type of brake pads, and car’s year can impact the price. You can also choose to replace both axels or only one.
The Main Types of Car Service
Car services have three main types—interim, full, and major car services. Interim car services happen every 6,000 miles or six months. The services you can get under interim are:
Drive belt inspection
Oil filter replacement
Oil change
You should get a full car service every 12,000 miles or every year. This includes the interim services plus extra changes and about 80 checks. This service includes:
Air cleaner replacement
Parking brake shoes inspection
Fuel filter replacement
Vacuum hose inspection
A major car service is necessary every 24,000 miles or two years. This includes full car service, checks, and other extras. This service includes:
Battery testing
Spark plugs replacement
Brake fluid replacement
How to Keep Your Car in Good Shape and Save Money at the Same Time
It is not always financially favorable to go to the dealer for routine car maintenance. You can save on car maintenance by shopping around to get good deals. Coupons can help cut the costs as well.
Being knowledgeable about car maintenance can help you save money on these services, too. All you need to do is to purchase the fluids or parts. You can also find a trusted mechanic in your area. Having a good relationship with your mechanic can give you benefits like a good payment plan or low-cost extra repairs.
Sticking to your car’s maintenance schedule is a simple way to cut down servicing costs. Maintaining contact with your trusted mechanic can help keep your car servicing schedule on time. On-time car servicing helps prevent major breakdowns. Your car can run more efficiently. This results in more savings on repairs and fuel.
The Bottom Line: Saving Money on Car Services Can Help You Save for Repairs
Owning a car can be costly. Learning how to strategize and do some maintenance procedures yourself can help cut down your service costs. This can then help you build a fund for possible future repairs. Working with your trusted mechanic can help you gain great deals on these services, too.
