While drivers should always make sure they have sufficient auto insurance protection the importance of taking care of the vehicle also cannot be overstated. Preventive maintenance is a critical part of making sure an auto lasts as long as possible and doesn’t result in costly repair bills.
Each car has different maintenance needs so drivers should first refer to their owners’ manuals to see what is recommended for their particular vehicle.
Following the proper maintenance schedule allows for cars to continue working at the optimal performance levels. That lets drivers keep their vehicles running smoothly, which also helps them save money on gas.
In addition, owners who bring their vehicle to a trusted mechanic for maintenance are also giving a trained professional more opportunities to notice significant issues early. That keeps them from developing into more serious issues that may cause an accident, leading to higher auto insurance quotes.
Maintenance is becoming even more important now. With the current economic slowdown, many people are choosing to hold onto their cars longer before purchasing a new one. These older vehicles have a greater chance of breaking down, leaving owners with serious repair bills.
A recent poll by AAA found that more than 50 percent of drivers said they had chosen to hold on to an older vehicle because they didn’t want to pay for a new one. While many used vehicles are still reliable, keeping up with their maintenance may be an even greater concern.
However, despite that importance, many drivers seem to be neglecting the ongoing care needs of their vehicles, such as oil changes and tire rotations. AAA found that one in four drivers admitted to consciously avoiding recommended maintenance on their vehicle due to their own financial difficulties. That’s in addition to the many drivers who may be unknowingly neglecting the maintenance needs on their vehicles.
A recent analysis by Edmunds.com found that the scheduled maintenance costs over the 100,000 miles for the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the country ranged from just $1,500 to $2,800. But with the average driver traveling just 12,000 miles per year, that averages out just $180 to $337 per year to make sure a car is running in tip-top shape.
For drivers who put significantly more miles on their car, maintenance becomes even more important, as their parts are under a greater strain, and they have a larger chance of being in an accident simply because they are on the road more frequently. Just like auto insurance, preventive maintenance is an important step.