Expert Advice: How to Cut Car Maintenance Costs Amid Rising Expenses

New car prices have stabilized in the United States thanks to improved supply chain conditions. However, instead of leading to increased demand for new cars, consumers seem hesitant to spend due to the current economic climate. Inflation continues to persist, auto insurance is rising, and living costs remain consistently high. As a result, people are prioritizing essential expenditures like housing costs, healthcare, utilities, energy bills, and debt repayment over buying a new car.

An analysis by S & P Global Mobility reveals that the average age of vehicles in the U.S. has risen to 12.6 years in 2024. "With average age growth, more vehicles are entering the prime range for aftermarket service, typically from 6 to 14 years of age," says Todd Campau, aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility.

While your friendly dealership may not be thrilled about people holding on to their old cars, auto repair shops are likely to be jubilant. Cars typically need more repairs as they age due to wear and tear, material fatigue, and other factors. Although you can't completely avoid trips to the auto repair shop, proper maintenance can keep your car in good shape for longer, saving money on unavoidable repairs.

• Drive Defensively

Pushing your vehicle to the limit may be tempting, but it's important to practice defensive driving. Defensive driving can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and other types of accidents, leading to fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs.

The key elements of defensive driving involve being proactive rather than reactive. This means understanding and obeying traffic laws, being aware of other drivers, and avoiding aggressive driving behaviors. Adhere to speed limits, use turn signals to communicate intentions to other drivers, maintain a safe distance from vehicles, and avoid using the phone.

Ultimately, you can only control your actions on the road, and accidents can still happen despite your best efforts. In such cases, it’s crucial to know your legal options. Contacting a car accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident and ensure you get the necessary support and compensation. 

• Be Familiar With and Practice Routine DIY Maintenance

Several DIY maintenance practices can help keep your car in good shape and reduce visits to the auto shop. You can always consult the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, general maintenance practices for vehicles include:

Oil Changes: Engine oil serves several critical functions in the vehicle, such as cooling the engine, reducing wear and tear, and supporting hydraulic functions. Over time, the oil in the engine becomes less effective at performing these functions and needs to be replaced. The exact interval for oil changes will be in your owner’s manual, but it is typically between 3,000 and 5,000 miles for most vehicles.

Tire Maintenance: The function of the tires is obvious, and not much needs to be said about that. Properly inflated tires are crucial for safety and efficiency. As a result, you should regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, many manufacturers recommend rotating your tires after specific mileage to ensure even wear and tear, which can extend the lifespan of your tires.

Fluid Checks: Vehicles utilize fluids like brake, transmission, power steering, and coolants for optimal performance. Monitor their levels and change them according to specific intervals recommended in the owner’s manual.

Other maintenance practices include air replacing air filters, cleaning battery terminals, and inspecting brake pads every 10,000 miles or when you notice reduced braking efficiency.

• Use OEM or Quality Aftermarket Parts

You have two options for buying parts for your vehicle: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. The vehicle’s manufacturers make OEM parts, making them essentially the same as the original parts. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are made by companies other than your car's manufacturer. Since several companies usually make them, aftermarket parts offer more options for price and performance.

If you ever need to replace any part in your vehicle, go for OEM or quality aftermarket parts. OEM parts offer guaranteed fit and maintain your vehicle’s warranty, although generally expensive. Quality aftermarkets tend to be cheaper than OEM parts, making them attractive options for those budget-conscious consumers.

It's worth mentioning that quality aftermarket parts aren't necessarily inferior to OEM parts. Some aftermarket accessory manufacturers are known to produce parts as good as OEM parts. Some aftermarket parts even exceed OEM standards, allowing car owners to customize their vehicles.

Ultimately, your budget and performance needs determine whether you go for an OEM or aftermarket part. But regardless of your choice, try to go for quality parts, and your trusty mechanic can provide sound advice. Remember, quality parts reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, ultimately saving you money and hassle in the long term.

• Pay Attention to Maintenance Lights

Car manufacturers understand that keeping track of all maintenance practices may be challenging. As a result, modern vehicles come with different maintenance lights on the dashboard. These lights illuminate when routine maintenance is required, such as an oil change, tire rotation, or inspection.

There is also the check engine light, which is supposed to indicate a potential issue with the engine. While minor issues like a loose gas cap or a faulty spark plug can trigger the check engine light, it's advisable to see a mechanic when the light comes on, as it could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

• Ensure You Always Have at Least Half a Tank of Gas

While having enough fuel in your vehicle is essential to avoid getting stranded, another important reason to keep your gas tank at least half full is to keep your fuel pump in good condition. The fuel pump needs ample gasoline to keep it cool and lubricated. Running the tank too low is bound to wear out the pump faster. So, always watch the fuel gauge and ensure you have at least half a gas tank.

While proper maintenance is essential for all vehicles, it’s even more crucial for older cars. If you’re not ready to splurge on a new vehicle, taking good care of your current one is logical. Proper maintenance helps you save money in the long run and ensures your car continues to serve you well without becoming a liability.