Cost-Effective Car Maintenance Tips
From everyday routines to savvy fuelling strategies, we’ve covered a few of the most intelligent and economical ways to maintain your car in this guide.
Carry out regular checks
Basic maintenance inspections help you to keep your car in top condition and save you money in the long run. There are plenty of checks you can carry out yourself just by walking around the vehicle, too. These include:
- Oil changes: Depending on the car you drive and the type of oil it runs, you may need to change the oil and filters around once every six months or at intervals of 5,000 to 7,000 miles. With newer cars, you can probably extend this window by a few more months.
- Tyre checks: Everyday motoring is always safer with frequent checks on your tyre tread depth and condition, plus regular pressure top-ups too. Investing in either a pump or pressure monitor will help you keep on top of this, preserving your fuel economy and a smooth ride.
- Fluid top-ups: Most internal combustion engines need engine oil and coolant to stay healthy. Make sure you check and top up these wherever necessary. Plus, you should keep your windscreen washer reserve full to keep driving safely.DIY repairs and maintenance
While you should never attempt complex repairs on your own driveway, there are plenty of simple jobs that you can carry out with your own tools in the garage. These include replacing windscreen wiper blades and air filters, plus tending to your tyres.
There are some essential tools to keep if you’re going to be working on your own car. These include torque wrenches, jacks, axel stands and a friend to supervise you! There are always inherent risks associated with working under vehicles, so make sure you stay physically safe too.
Cost-saving strategies
Next, there are a few generic strategies to help you save money.
If you’re going to be buying parts and working on your car, it’s worth doing so in bulk or choosing carefully from sales. Generic or aftermarket parts can be adapted to many different vehicles, especially if you’re knowledgeable enough for the work required.
Keeping on top of maintenance means you can identify common issues early and so avoid unnecessary repairs. When you’re choosing a second-hand car, it’s worth choosing reliable suppliers like Blue Bell Hill car sales who stock trusted models.
Seasonal maintenance
Remember, car maintenance looks different throughout the year.
In winter, you should try to keep aware of hazards like ice, snow and high winds. Keep a surplus supple of antifreeze in your boot and try to fit quality winter tyres for extra grip.
In summer, you might use more fuel than anticipated – and you’ll require less traction on typically drier roads too. Adjust your tyres as necessary and don’t forget to rotate them.
Paired with your regular routine maintenance checks, seasonal efforts will pay dividends and help you to enjoy your car at its best all year.
