According to Bank Rate, there is a cost of not maintaining your car — and it might be higher than you think. Every year, accidents that result from unperformed auto services end up costing a total of $2 billion, with many of that coming out of our pockets.
There’s also the cost of a reduced lifetime. “If you don’t maintain your car, you’re taking a vehicle that might have been driven for 200,000 miles over its life, and you’re knocking it down to maybe 150,000 miles,” explains Philip Reed, an editor for Edmunds car review website. Good auto mechanics help keep your car healthy.
Are you trying to avoid your car’s auto services? Bringing it on will probably save you more than avoiding it. Here are three myths people often believe about car maintenance, that you should know the truth about.
1. You Don’t Need Windshield Wiper Fluid
“I know one sneaky little trick to save money,” you might be thinking as you avoid coming into the shop; and use another cleaning liquid in place of windshield wiper fluid. You might save $2 today, but that cleaner can be stripping your car’s finish without you even realizing. If you really don’t want to take your car in, windshield wiper fluid is pretty cheap to buy at a store, anyway.
2. Your Mechanic Will Try to Replace Everything at Once
Years ago, when everything wore out faster, many mechanics would replace multiple components anytime you came in for an oil change. These days, though, parts last longer than they used to, and in all likelihood when you come in for an oil change, all you’re going to get or need is an oil change.
3. Auto Service Oil Changes Aren’t for Nothing
You might get the phone call from your dealership that it’s time to come in for an oil change. “I can make it last another three months,” you might think. “It was fine last time.” While your car might not be breaking down from using poor oil, you’re not really helping yourself by avoiding a change. Oil reduces the friction that can wear away your engine. When you don’t change it, your parts can begin to overheat and wear down. And the cost of replacing an engine is much higher, at $4,000 on overage.
According to Bank Rate, the total cost of skipping on regular maintenance and auto repairs is $8,000 on average. Are you ready to pay? Let us know in the comments. Learn more.