Auto repairs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars if the wrong thing breaks and you don’t have extended warranty coverage. There are, however, some general maintenance services that can help your car to continue running smoothly for as long as possible. We’re going to look at four of these services and how expensive the consequences can quickly become if these normal maintenance procedures are ignored.
- Oil Changes – First of all, you probably don’t need an oil change as often as you have been led to believe. Although the old standard was 3 months or 3,000 miles, many car manuals now say 4 or even 5 months and between 4,000 and 7,000 miles depending on the make and model. The consequences of failing to get regular oil changes can be a full engine replacement. That would run upwards of $4,000. A massive price to pay for skipping a $30-40 oil change.
- Tire Rotation – Not getting the tires rotated every 7,500 miles or so (some people just get it done every other oil change), can lead to early tire wear and the need for replacement. Since a new set of tires can cost upwards of $500, you want to put it off as long as you safely can, and tire rotation extends that safe period.
- Timing Belt – This can be a $1,000 expense in and of itself. The good news is that most cars only need it done every 90-100,000 miles. On the other hand, failure to keep the timing belt in good shape can result in it breaking. This often does a tremendous amount of damage to the engine. You’re talking $2,500 and up easily.
- Brake Pads – Replacing your brake pads can cost a couple of hundred dollars, but that’s a lot cheaper than the $600 it can cost if you need to replace your rotors too. Get your brakes checked at least once a year and sooner if you hear squealing when you brake or have to push the pedal down harder than usual.
Get the Protection You Need from Massive Repair Bills
Of course, taking care of your vehicle will only get you so far. The repair bills will eventually come. When they do, you will want an extended warranty from Vehicle Service Center to offset the costs. For a free quote, call us today at 1-800-280-6708 or submit the online request form.
