We all know that car payments and insurance premiums are a given when it comes to owning a car, but what about the other costs associated with keeping your car in good working order? Maintenance costs can add up quickly, so it's important to be prepared. In this article, we'll look at the various costs associated with car maintenance and how to budget for them. Tire rotations are essential in Texas due to the extreme heat. This heat can make tires more solid and flexible, which improves traction but also makes them more vulnerable to wear on hot asphalt.
When tires wear out, your car becomes unsafe and you'll have less stopping power, less traction, and a higher risk of slipping on wet surfaces. Replacing the belt can also be an expensive job depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, a Ford F-250 may take longer than a compact sedan. In addition to your car payments and insurance premiums, you'll need to budget for routine maintenance items such as oil changes and oil filter replacements.
You can do some of these tasks yourself at home to save money. However, depending on the make and model of your car and your driving habits, routine maintenance can cost hundreds of dollars a year. This could lead to more serious mechanical problems that could have been avoided with regular maintenance and preventive care. To get started, collect all of your car's maintenance records from the last year including repairs, oil changes, tires, etc.
With a little financial discipline, you can have a solid car maintenance budget and plan regular car reviews without fear of the bill of repair. You may need to increase the amount of your car's maintenance budget compared to what you spent in the previous year. AAA offers a list of approved automotive repair centers so you can be sure that you are working with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians when servicing or repairing your car. Get quotes from several auto insurance agencies (see Policygenius for an easy comparison) and explore what coverage you could reduce, especially as your car ages. Another way to stay within your budget for car maintenance expenses is to do some of the work yourself if you can. A common element of routine maintenance that people overlook when it comes to maintaining their cars is tire pressure. Maintenance costs include repairs, oil changes, tires, and other necessary work but do not include car payments or insurance.
Keep your car maintenance fund separate from your other accounts and use this money only for what it was intended for. With a little financial discipline and planning ahead, you can keep your car in good working order without breaking the bank. By understanding the various costs associated with car maintenance and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable for years to come.
