Car maintenance tips

Things to remember

• Regular car maintenance can help you avoid serious and costly damage before it occurs.
• It is a good idea to take your car to a mechanic for a basic checkup once a year.
• Cars often lose about 60 percent of their purchase price in the first five years, but regular maintenance can help you maintain the value of your car.

Owning a car is not just about filling up the tank and getting to your destination. If you want your car to last for a long time, you need to take good care of it, and that means subjecting it to regular maintenance. These maintenance tips will help you keep your car running smoothly between visits to the mechanic. After all, the more you know about your car, the sooner you can spot a problem and have it checked by a professional before a minor issue becomes a major problem. In addition, maintaining your vehicle can help it maintain its value.

How car insurance contributes to vehicle maintenance

Car insurance does not prevent the car from breaking down or guarantee that an accident will never happen, but it can offer financial protection in both cases. If your car is damaged as a result of a covered claim, the insurance company may help you repair the damage or replace the car, depending on the level of coverage and the extent of the damage.

However, as a general rule, a standard auto policy covers repair costs only if they are the direct result of an accident. In the case of normal wear and tear, some insurers offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which covers repair costs unrelated to an accident or mishap. This insurance works like a warranty and generally covers repairs to brakes, transmission, engine, exhaust, steering, and gearbox (just to name a few).

Taking care of your car

Although taking your car to the garage regularly is the best way to avoid major repairs, you can do many things in your garage to keep it in good condition.

• Check all bulbs: once a week, turn on your car's headlights to make sure the bulbs are not burned out. Go around the vehicle, not forgetting the rear parking lights. If you notice a burned-out bulb, you can replace it yourself with a few euros.
• Wash and wax the car: a wash doesn't just improve the car's appearance: regular washing and waxing removes dirt, pollen, oil, road salt and other impurities that, if left untreated, can damage paint and rust.
• Check ifluids monthly: oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and differential fluid should be checked monthly. If you check each of these fluids monthly, you will have a better chance of detecting leaks before they cause excessive damage.
• Change your oil regularly: The frequency of oil changes depends on your driving style (short or long trips, highway or city, etc.), the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of oil your engine needs. When you change the oil, you should also check the battery, air filter, and wheel alignment or rotation.
• Schedule recommended maintenance: check your owner's manual to find out how often certain parts of your vehicle should be serviced and put a reminder on your calendar so you don't fall behind. Some newer cars also remind you when it is time for certain routine maintenance.
• Check the windshield wipers every six months: to avoid being in the pouring rain with a scratched windshield, check the wipers every six months. If you notice that the wipers are leaving streaks or fogging the windshield, you should replace them.
• Replacing the engine air filter: engine air filters prevent dirt and other particles from entering the engine so that the engine can run smoothly and efficiently. Even if it is checked during other maintenance, inspect it at least once a year and replace it accordingly.
• Keep an eye on the brakes: listen to the brakes as you drive. If you notice any noises coming from the brakes, trembling or pedal vibrations, make an appointment with a mechanic.
• Check the tires: every month, check that the tires are properly inflated, according to the recommendations in the owner's manual. Every time you service your car, ask your mechanic to check the tread depth.
• Replacing belts and hoses: even if belts and hoses are in good condition, they should be replaced every two to three years, with the exception of the timing belt, which should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers.

Average cost of most common auto repairs

AAA estimates that the cost of car maintenance is between 0.69 and 0.76 cents per mile. The exact cost of repairs varies depending on the age, make and model of the vehicle, but here is what you can generally expect for some common auto repairs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to maintain a car each month?

AAA data show that in 2022 motorists will spend about $894 per month to own and operate a new vehicle, an 11 percent increase over 2021. As with other aspects of car ownership, the amount spent over the course of the year depends on the make, model and the number of repairs you are able to make yourself. In general, luxury cars cost more than cheaper models.

How do electric cars differ in terms of maintenance?

Just like the operation of their engines, electric cars and gasoline cars differ in terms of maintenance costs. Routine maintenance and repair costs are generally lower for electric cars than for gasoline cars. On the other hand, electric cars depreciate more quickly.

Which brand of car requires fewer repairs?

Of all the brands on the market, Lexus and Toyota require the least repairs. However, the frequency of repairs and their cost depend largely on the maintenance of the vehicle.

Written by

Irene Scott

Insurance

I’ve worked for more than 5 years as a Credit Analyst and more than 4 years as an Internal Auditor for one of the leading global financial institutions. I have been exposed to the credit review process, various banking products, financial security topics, corporate governance, operational risk, and the internal control framework of a complex, multinational organization.

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