Save Money with Regular Vehicle Maintenance Tips from AAA

Maintaining your vehicle isn’t just about safety. It could save you money, too. Here are just a few examples.

The most basic vehicle maintenance is a regular oil change. Engine oil not only lubricates but also cleans and helps cool the engine. Unfortunately, oil wears out with use, necessitating regular changes. That $70 to $120 or so that you spend on an oil change could save you from needing expensive engine repairs—or a costly new engine.

Tires also need regular attention. It’s recommended that tires be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or so. Failure to do so can cause uneven tire wear, and that could mean that you’ll have to replace your tires prematurely. Tires, as you may know, do not come cheap, and you could be on the hook for $1,000 or more because of four prematurely worn tires that would still be in good shape if you had rotated them on schedule.

Also be sure to change the car’s timing belt when recommended (see your owner’s manual about when to do this). If you neglect to replace it when necessary, you could end up with a broken belt, which can lead to costly repairs or even the need to replace the entire engine.

If you’re paying attention to the bottom line, you’ll agree that maintaining your vehicle is cheaper in the long run.