5 ways to cut down on car maintenance costs

Cars can be an expensive necessity of modern life, especially if you rely on your vehicle to commute to work each day or take children to and from school. With fuel costs rising all the time, learning how to cut down on your car maintenance costs can seriously pay, and mean you don't have to rely on unreliable public transport to save the pennies.



Simply looking after your car with proper diligence can be a serious benefit when it comes to saving on expensive repairs further down the line, as a few DIY tweaks and regular servicing will ensure your vehicle remains in peak condition all year round. That doesn't mean obeying the maintenance schedule of your car dealer to the letter, however - often, dealerships will encourage motorists to have their vehicles checked more often than necessary, and a more reliable schedule can usually be found in your car owner's handbook.



When inspecting your vehicle, be sure to check components such as your tyres regularly, making sure they're fully inflated and free from damage - something that will also help you avoid paying more for your petrol costs, if traction is impaired. Your fuel levels should also be carefully monitored, especially during the heat of the summer and freezing winter.

The type of fuel you feed your car could also be costing you more than it needs to. If you're using premium grade fuel for your vehicle, check your owner's manual to make sure your car really requires it, as standard petrol is suitable for many high-end cars and costs much less over time. Similarly, keeping a close watch on which petrol stations in your area offer the cheapest prices could save you considerable amounts too. You can also reduce your petrol consumption by driving at steady speeds and avoiding rapid stops and starts - not only saving you money but also reducing your negative impact on the environment, as you'll be producing fewer carbon emissions.



If you're worried about the costs of maintaining a car, especially one that might stay locked up in a garage for most of the year, you could also consider long term car hire, benefiting from a vehicle that can be returned as soon as you no longer require it. Depending on your car insurance and the terms of your lease, you may not even be liable to pay for any damage or repair work that needs to be carried out during your term, making expensive trips to the service centre a thing of the past.