Running and maintaining a vehicle can be costly, with potentially expensive maintenance, repairs, and high fuel prices. When they are not anticipated, they can throw your budget out of whack, creating a domino effect that can harm your ability to pay your bills. Whether your vehicle is old or brand new, there are ways to cut down on unnecessary costs without compromising standards.

When it comes to State Farm approved shop standards, Chicago Autohaus, is Chicago’s leading body shop. With their success a second location has been born. With the new Chicagoland location, the owner Saif Yasin announced they are also now full service! Offering auto repair and maintenance as well as being certified in Ford and Tesla repairs.

Follow the following tips to reduce maintenance costs and keep your vehicle roadworthy.

1.    Read the owner’s manual

Your owner’s manual is a useful resource that can help you to keep your car running strong for a long time. Every vehicle should have an owner’s manual, whether purchased from a private citizen or from a dealership. If you can’t find yours, there are several online resources with thousands of manuals from car manufacturers. Once you have it, visit the maintenance section and familiarize yourself with the recommended guidelines by the manufacturer. Following those guidelines is a great way to keep your vehicle running strong for a long time. It will save you from sudden, costly repairs.

2.    Source for parts and accessories with the best prices

When your car breaks down, you’ll want it fixed and back on the road quickly. However, leaving it entirely up to your mechanic to buy the spare parts is not advisable. You won’t be aware of what exactly is being fitted into your car, and you may end up being slapped with an astronomical bill. The best thing to do is to find car part dealers with the best prices for auto gear and buy them yourself. That way, you will have peace of mind knowing you are getting quality products without paying outrageous prices. Alternatively, you can take your car to a certified repair facility like Crash Champions, which meets strict standards and specifications for most car manufacturers.

3.    Drive carefully

By driving carefully, you can save fuel, extend the life of your brakes, clutch, and tires. Don’t be tempted to ‘burn rubber.’ Get used to braking gently; it helps to extend the life of your braking system and its components.

4.    Take advantage of car service specials

The internet is full of information. Shop around for special promotions and vehicle service specials near you. Depending on where you look, you may be able to find service deals.

5.    Sharpen your DIY skills

You can as well save money on maintenance by doing minor car repairs yourself. The internet is a mine of information, and you can find several DIY tutorials on how to do such things as changing your car’s oil and replacing the filters. Doing minor repairs yourself can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

6.    Do routine inspections

Performing routine car inspections can help you to identify impending problems before they grow and result in costly repairs. Regular maintenance is key when you own a vehicle.

7.    Take care of the engine

The engine is the most costly part to maintain and replace in your car. Protecting it through regular oil changes and oil filter replacements can save you costly repairs.

Endnote

Car maintenance costs tend to be costly when you ignore routine maintenance or miss crucial warning signals. By driving carefully, following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines, and paying attention to your car can greatly minimize the cost of keeping your vehicle on the road.