Unfortunately, the majority of us aren’t unfamiliar with the unexpected costs that auto repair services can bring about. While some people prefer to only take their car in when it’s acting up, others try to at least have it looked at once a year to ensure everything is running smoothly. However, it’s not uncommon for one to get too busy and completely forget they never had their car looked at, and this alone can be a very costly mistake.
Delaying your typical, scheduled visit for having your vehicle checked, could actually cost you more. If there is a current problem that you delay having repaired, the cost for services and to fix the issue can increase substantially. Regular maintenance is affordable and provides many benefits. If you take advantage of a regular maintenance service plan, you can be more prepared with any expenses that may be required.
Monthly Visits
If you value your car and rely on it (without the backup of a second car) then it’s important to take care of it. You might choose to have your car looked over on a monthly basis. This can help you detect any problems that might be arising and have them taken care of before they develop into something serious. The costs will vary by the auto repair shop you use, but having it checked out is typically a fairly low cost, especially when you compare it to that of having to replace your engine or transmission. In addition, by having your car looked at regularly each monthly, the auto repair shop will become familiar with your vehicle, know what often breaks down on your particular model of vehicle, and because you’re trusting them on a regular basis to care for your vehicle, they will check everything, every time. This includes the tires, lights and fluid levels, among other things.
Quarterly Visits
Quarterly checks for your vehicle may be more economical for your schedule and more realistic. Preventing problems with your vehicle is important to avoid costly repairs, and the best way to prevent them is by having your vehicle looked at every three months. If you’re looking for an auto repair shop discuss their services with them first. Do they offer any discounts? You can find out by calling or visiting their website. A quarterly visit to the auto repair shop will allow your vehicle to be checked all over, just like a monthly visit.
Don’t Skip Your Oil Changes
There is a reason that vehicles are supposed to have oil changes every 3,000 miles. Aside from doing so to ensure the best performance for your vehicle, it prevents expensive repairs as well. Your own vehicle’s manual will tell you the recommended time to have your oil changed and should be one of the first things you read (the manual) after acquiring a vehicle.
Your engine requires this oil to function in a variety of ways. It helps with cooling, lubricating, and cleaning of different engine parts. Maybe you don’t remember the last time you had your oil changed because they forgot to give you a sticker, or maybe you just bought a new car. Luckily, a mechanic can help you determine if the oil needs to be changed and if not, how long you have until then.
Take the time out to ensure your vehicle is receiving regular maintenance if you want to avoid expensive costs on repairing the engine or other problems that occur from lack of maintenance. Yes, sometimes a vehicle can break down even if it sees a mechanic regularly, but this is when you will want to have a trustworthy and reliable mechanic to turn to.