There are no two ways about it: car maintenance is expensive.
It’s important to keep your car in tip-top shape, though, so even if we grumble about it, we still have to take our vehicles in for check-ups and repairs.
But you may be spending a lot more than you really need to.
According to one of my favorite (anonymous) auto mechanics, there’s a lot you can do to help yourself save $1,000s on your vehicle’s upkeep.
Here are six excellent tips for keeping your car healthy and your money in your pocket.
6 Tips from Mechanics to Save You Money at the Garage
#6 Keep an Eye on the Oil
It’s common knowledge that you should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. But common doesn’t necessarily mean accurate.
In fact, most cars run perfectly well on oil that’s over 3,000 miles old. Newer models can even go twice that distance. Or more.
Do some research to find out how often you really need to change your oil, so you can save some bucks at the shop. That being said, having the correct amount of good oil is very important to your car’s health. Don’t be lazy about checking it now and then to make sure you’re in good shape.
If the car is a body and the motor is a heart, then the oil is the blood. And I think we all know how important blood is to a body. If you keep it full and keep it clean, you’ll keep your checking account from taking a big dip due to inattention.
Don Schwenk says
I am a DIY guy getting bolder and bolder. Why? You Tube and actual car forums. I just did brakes pads and rotors, for the first time on my Acura MDX. I’ve done rear differential fluid changes. I also changed my transmission fluid. I was able to change all the Trans fluid because a guy on You Tube shows you how to turn on and off your 2008 MDX engine to pump it out. Key is you need to measure outgoing and incoming fluids closely. This video was pure genius. I hope this helps, just my 2 cents. Oh, forums I used we’re MDXers and Acurazine. Don
Dee says
Check your oil level right after you get an oil change. Twice I have been short changed on the five quart fill. Initially, I thought my older car was burning oil. Not so! Only half the oil required was put in with the oil change. Check the filter too. Trust no one!
chris says
If your checking your oil before leaving the engine off at least 15 minutes, the oil will appear low because it has not made its way back to the oil pan. Also more importantly if you over fill your oil, the bottom of the crankshaft will strike the oil in the oil pan, if this happens your oil will be churned into foam which cannot properly be picked up. The result will be less lubrication and engine damage.
Bob Leach says
Buy a repair manual (Chiltons, Haynes, OEM) for your car when you first
get it (preferably at 15K; new add 30%)and use it to troubleshoot and DIY before $90hr. shop repairs. Drive to 180K (lower taxes & depreciation) before replacement. Well maintained and carefully driven cars last a long time. Garage against corrosion if possible.
Sharon says
Yes! I have done oil changes, replaced brake pads, changed a fuel pump and so many bulbs, hoses, etc. , with the manual for my vehicle. If the transmission hadn’t needed replacing at 190,000 miles, I would still be driving it. just more prudent to use the $3k for a down payment
K. Z. says
That’s definitely a good suggestion,
to have motor vehicle manual, such as Clinton’s.
I have one for every vehicle that I own.
It’s an investment, able get more familiar with vehicle.
Jamie says
They forgot to mention that many old parts can also be taken to an auto parts supplier for a core charge (they’ll pay you)often $10-$15 for stuff like batteries, alternators chargers, etc.
Tim says
Most of your suggestions are good especially about oil life, demanding quality parts and, if you’re not sure about the shop, requesting your old part(s) back. But be prepared to pay the core charge on some parts. I do have to differ with you on people getting their own and trusting a code reader to diagnose their check engine light. The DTC only gives a symptom of a problem and often not “the” problem. Case in point: People are always “saving money” on repairs when a DTC P0171, P0172, P0174 or P0175 is set. They are are told it is an O2 sensor code and the often expensive sensor(s) without repairing the problem. I find the sensors are seldom the problem and are only indicating a performance problem with the engine. Replacing the O2 sensors is only killing the messenger.
drsleuth says
why is it that when you bring the car to a mechanic for repair, even if the original problems is taken care of one needs to come back few more time times, with unrelated issues?
yankee2 says
“In fact, most cars run perfectly well on oil that’s over 3,000 miles old?” Absolutely true, but that statement misses the entire point of changing motor oil. We do NOT change motor oil to make a car run better, we change it to make it run LONGER, i.e. to improve the longevity of an engine. A car doesn’t run BETTER when we change the oil frequently, but it MAY LAST MUCH LONGER. Changing the oil every 3K miles instead of the factory recommended 7.5K miles could very well lead to a motor running 200-250K miles before a rebuild/replacement is necessary, and 100-150K miles. Since the life of the engine is commonly the life of the car, that could make a car last 20 years rather than 8-10, for a quite huge savings! Of course an old car DOES require more repairs than a newer one, but given the cost of a new car these days, it may well be worth the trouble. Imagine having to buy 1/2 as many cars in one’s lifetime? Imagine NOT having to spend another $20K-$50K plus every 7-8 years? Imagine SAVING that amount that often? Don’t forget, the manufacturer’s motives are NOT the same as the consumer’s, so we should take what they tell us with a grain of salt.