Maintaining your car’s mechanical health not only costs money, but it can also save you money in the long run. By being smart about how you maintain it, you can cut costs on parts and labor as well as reduce overall repair bills.

The key to keeping your car running optimally is recognizing issues early and taking proactive steps. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your vehicle running like new for years to come.

Get a Maintenance Schedule

A maintenance schedule is your car’s way of reminding you when and what to do to keep it in top condition. These routines, usually found in the owner’s manual or on your vehicle’s manufacturer website, are meant to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs in the future.

One of the best ways to save money on maintenance is by adhering to a schedule. Skipping oil changes, for instance, could cause your engine to overheat and necessitate an expensive repair.

Finding out when your car requires maintenance can be a great start, but you should also ask a service advisor for specific instructions on what needs to be done. They’ll know what to check for and often detect minor problems before they become major ones.

Look for Discounted Parts

When restoring a classic car or keeping up with daily driving, having the correct parts is essential. Internet shoppers looking to save money on auto repair can find discounts on many parts through various websites.

Start your search for automotive parts on eBay Motors. This nationwide website offers an extensive selection of automotive components and sellers have feedback ratings that buyers can view before doing business with them.

Be sure to read the product descriptions thoroughly before purchasing from an eBay seller. Furthermore, consult the vehicle application chart to make sure the parts fit perfectly on your car.

If you need a difficult-to-locate car part, try asking fellow enthusiasts on an online forum or Facebook for assistance. Oftentimes, this is the cheapest way to obtain what you need at less cost than what a dealership would charge.

Don’t Wait

It is always beneficial to get your car serviced as soon as possible. Not only will this keep it in optimal condition, but it will save you money on repair expenses in the future.

It is especially important to perform preventative maintenance tasks on your vehicle that can extend its life and improve performance. Examples include checking wiper blades, rotating tires and inspecting hoses for bulges or collapsed sections.

Maintaining a budget is an effective way to save money. Whether you use pen and paper, create an excel spreadsheet or utilize free online spending trackers, this process will enable you to see where your hard-earned funds go each month. In addition, set an objective to put away a certain amount of cash into savings accounts each month or invest some of it in investment accounts like 401(k). By taking time out to save and invest, you’ll reap financial rewards for years ahead.

Do It Yourself

Cars are one of the biggest investments consumers make, alongside homes and college educations. But they’re also costly to run in the long run, so it’s essential that they remain in optimal working condition.

Thankfully, there are a variety of maintenance tasks you can do yourself to save money and time. From changing the oil to checking fluid levels, these tips will help ensure you don’t end up paying out-of-the-pocket mechanic fees in the future.

1. Check your engine’s fluid levels: Engine oil helps reduce friction in moving parts, while coolant/antifreeze keeps the engine running optimally in hot or cold climates. Use a dipstick and reservoir to check fluid levels.

2. Change Your Air Filter: Your owner’s manual should provide instructions on how and when to replace an old filter with a new one. This low-stress task can save you up to $50 at the mechanic’s.

Replace your windshield wipers is a relatively inexpensive and quick task that usually costs only a few dollars and takes five minutes to complete. Plus, if you purchase them from an auto parts store, they often provide free installation as well.