Usually the only time we think about car maintenance is when our cars are sitting in the repair shop. For many, car maintenance is car repair. However, they aren’t the same thing, and budgeting for both will help keep your budget “in the green”. Especially with winter on the way, now is the time to start thinking about how you maintain your vehicle.
Let’s start with maintenance. First, find your car’s owner’s manual. Read it through so that you understand the recommended service schedule and requirements. Be sure to follow the guidelines. Next, get to know your vehicle. Many common problems can be detected by simply using your senses:
• Looks Like Trouble: Small stains or drops of fluid under your vehicle may not mean much, but wet spots or puddles can mean attention is needed. You can identify fluids by color and consistency.
• Smells Like Trouble: The smell of burned toast could be an electrical issue, rotten eggs could be related to the catalytic converter or emissions, and a sweet, steamy odor could be a coolant issue.
• Sounds Like Trouble: Squeals mean belts, screeches mean brakes, rumbles mean exhaust pipe or muffler, and clunks mean loose exhaust pipe, muffler or shock absorber.
• Feels Like Trouble: Difficult handling, a rough ride, vibration and poor performance almost always indicate a problem.
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Now let’s focus on repairs. If you need repairs, choose a trusted facility by asking for recommendations, check with the Consumer Protection Agency or Better Business Bureau, and make sure the shop is licensed and/or registered. Also, ask if the technicians have current certifications and experience working on your car’s make and model. Understand the meaning of repair charges; are they a flat rate and/or is there a diagnostic charge? Get a complete, signed written estimate before work begins. If you need parts, make sure you understand the differences between new, rebuilt and salvage parts. Check out www.RepairPal.com for a free repair estimate if you know what is wrong with your vehicle.
The best way to plan for car-related expenses is to look over all auto repair and maintenance costs for the last year. Add up the costs for those items and divide by 12. This will give you an estimate of what you need to set aside each month. Remember, planning and budgeting for regular maintenance is a lot cheaper than paying for emergency repairs!
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