When looking for ways to save money on car insurance, it’s easy to focus solely on the insurance companies and premiums. An often forgotten way to reduce the risk of getting into an auto accident—and an easy way to avoid a rise in your car insurance premiums—is by keeping up with your car’s maintenance and repairs. Here are six car maintenance tips to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially save money on your car insurance.
Six Maintenance Tips to Save Money on Car Insurance
A little car maintenance goes a long way. Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance schedule can help you save money in the long run, avoiding costly repairs and even helping you reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident on the road. Here are just a few tips that will help your vehicle perform its best and keep you driving safely.
1. Tend to Your Tires
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car, as they’re among the first line of defense in preventing an accident. You’ll want to check your tires regularly for uneven wear, cracks in the sidewall or other issues that may need to be repaired by rotation, alignment or even replacement. You should also make sure you’re keeping your tire pressure at the recommended level to ensure even tire wear over time—this information is typically found on a sticker on the driver’s side door of your car or in your car’s owner’s manual .
2. Mind Your Brakes
Your brakes are vital to your vehicle’s safety. Worn brake pads and fluid leaks can damage rotors and can result in brake failure. Faulty brakes make it tougher for you to stop your car, whether it’s braking for a routine traffic light or to avoid an accident. It’s recommended to replace brake pads when they reach their service limit, usually about 0.1 inch, but it’s even better to be proactive and not wait for signs of wear to emerge before replacing them.
3. Stay in Charge of the Battery
Regularly checking your battery for signs of corrosion or cracks in the wiring is important and can prevent your car from stalling or operating incorrectly while driving. Many auto repair stores will perform a battery test on your vehicle free of charge.
4. Keep Your Car Cool
The coolant can impact many features in your car—like the heater, air conditioner and radiator—and you run the risk of corrosion if you don’t stay on top of changing your coolant. It’s recommended to check your coolant at least twice a year.
5. Check Your Car’s Fluids
The oil and transmission levels of your car are essential to how your car and its engine function. Dirty oil or low oil can cause premature wear and could result in costly repairs if not maintained.
6. Keep Records of Car Repairs
Having a good maintenance schedule is important to not only keep your car running, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run. Keeping accurate maintenance records will help you keep track of when your vehicle needs to be serviced and can also help with its resale value. Providing a list of necessary repairs and proving the car received regular routine maintenance not only gives potential buyers more information, but it can mean you can get the most out of the sale.
Let SelectQuote Help You Find Affordable Car Insurance
The easiest way to ensure you’re getting a good rate on your car insurance is by shopping around. At SelectQuote, we make this process easy by searching a variety of trusted carriers on your behalf in just minutes. We’ll quickly compare quote plans and details to help you find the right coverage at a price that works for you. We shop while you save!
