4 Maintenance Services to Set Aside Money for in Your Annual Budget
New or old, foreign or domestic, your vehicle carts you around on demand. The privilege of owning a vehicle means budgeting money for maintenance, and to keep your vehicle in top shape for the maximum amount of miles.
And part of the process is knowing at least a few of the necessary services that should happen every year.
Brake Check
Many don’t think about the brakes until it’s time for a replacement. Checking them before problems appear will save money down the road.
Plus it’s a good time to clean off the brake dust, check the brake fluid levels and bleed the lines if necessary.
It’s also when you can learn how soon they’ll need to be replaced, and since the wheels are off, to see if the drums need to be rotated or if the bearings have issues.
Drive Belts and Filters
Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, the replacement of air and fuel filters every year should be on the list.
As they age and accumulate debris, filters can slow your vehicle, lower gas mileage, and if debris gets into the engine may cause problems that require a hefty mechanic’s bill.
And don’t forget to check the cabin filter—often forgotten, it’s necessary to help keep debris, allergens and other particles from circulating in a closed environment.
Drive belts are the reason most parts of your engine spin and create movement, air conditioning, the cooling system, and myriad other systems to work properly.
Often made of rubber or polymers, they wear down and will need to be replaced.
Making sure it’s on your annual maintenance list is necessary to prevent larger problems later.
Battery and Battery Cables
Most batteries have a decent life span but it’s not guaranteed. Be sure to check the battery, cables, and connectors regularly.
Every year it is a good idea to clean the terminals to help prevent corrosion and frequent replacement of cables.
Lights and Fuses
A preemptive maintenance check will help prevent traffic tickets and the frustration of having to find fuses at two in the morning.
Most bulbs for the headlights, taillights, and blinkers are easily replaced.
Checking fuses takes approximately five minutes to look for any signs of overload or burnout.
By ensuring your annual vehicle budget has the necessary funds to cover some of the most basic yearly maintenance of your car, truck, or SUV, you’ll save thousands later.
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Category: Car Repair
