Over the years the cost to repair a vehicle keeps going up. In this case, the best offense to spending less money on expensive automotive repairs, is a good defense. Preventative maintenance can help to eliminate major repairs that could have you shelling out thousands of dollars on something that may have been fixed at a much cheaper rate. Here are the top 10 services recommends to saving money and avoiding those nasty repairs that can cost thousands.
- Oil Change- This is a no brainer. Your engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles will keep your engine operating properly. Importantly, some vehicles require synthetic oil, like the 2000-2009 Volkswagen's and Audi's. Even if you have used non-synthetic oil, these manufacturers have required synthetic due to engine claims. The bottom line is, the average cost for an oil change is $29.95 (a little more for synthetic oil). However, if you don't change your oil and your engine blows, it could cost about $5,000 to repair.
- Transmission Flush- The transmission is the second most expensive unit to replace. Changing the transmission oil every 30,000 miles will keep it operating properly. The average cost to replace your transmission fluid is $100.00. On the other hand, it could cost $1,500-$4,000 depending on the transmission.
- Coolant Flush- The coolant flush keeps your engine running cool and removes scale and debris from the coolant system. The freeze point and PH level becomes inadequate over time so this service can help restore them. The cost for a flush is $79.95, however you could spend approximately $500.00 to replace a radiator.
- Fuel Injection Service- Every gallon of gas you use includes 10,000 gallons of air. Carbon is a byproduct of you engine running and needs to be cleaned out periodically. This will help restore the gas mileage, which you slowly loose over time. This service also helps prevent you from having to replace the injectors which is very expensive. The average preventative maintenance cost is $70.00. If you don't do your preventative maintenance it could cost $500.00
- Fuel Filter Service- Changing the fuel filter can help your fuel pump work easier and prevent it from overworking itself and possibly going out. The fuel filter also becomes clogged with dirt and debris from the fuel that we use so it needs to be changed periodically. Your fuel filter service cost about $40.00. If you neglect your filters it may cost $200.00-$500.00.
- Differential Service- Another one of the oils in your vehicle. If you have a 4 x 4, an all wheel drive vehicle or rear wheel drive vehicle, you should change your axle oils to keep the drive-train working properly. The oil in these systems is similar to the oil in your engine, but doesn't need to be changed as often. Preventative maintenance for a differential is $40.00. The alternative may cost $300.00.
- Air Filter Service- Changing you air filter will allow your engine to use clean air for combustion, which will keep your gas mileage where it should be. Changing an air filter every 15,000 miles will make your engine a happy camper! For $15.00 you can replace your air filter, resulting in better gas mileage a huge potential for savings.
- Cabin Air Filter Service- If your vehicle is equipped with one of these filters, changing it will keep the air that you and your kids breathe clean. There are also systems out there that will clean out the air ducts which can house some pretty nasty bacteria! For $30.00 you (and your family) can breath clean air.
- Power Steering Service- The power steering unit uses a oil similar to your engine as well and should be changed every 30,000 miles. This will keep the power steering unit from experiencing any whining noises, etc. Preventative maintenance for your power steering is around $80.00. The alternative can cost $300.00.
- Fuel Treatment- Along with periodically cleaning out the fuel injectors with a full system flush, you should use a pour in fuel treatment every 3,000 miles to keep the carbon from building up. A fuel treatment can cost $10.00, but you can save on improved gas mileage.
By keeping the fluids and filters in your vehicle clean, you can expect better performance out of your vehicle. The cost to maintain your vehicle varies, but the result is the same -you can save a lot of money and time by avoiding those major repairs.