5 Common Car Maintenance Mistakes That Can Cost a Fortune

Part of the responsibility of owning a car involves performing maintenance every now and then. You might be tempted to neglect some basic car maintenance in an effort to save yourself some money. However, that kind of neglect could cost you far more in the long run.

Here are 5 common car maintenance mistakes that can cost a fortune.

1. Filling the Engine With the Wrong Kind of Oil

First time car buyers might think that all oil is created equal. That’s simply not the case.

The fact of the matter is that motor oil is offered in different grades for a reason. Usually, the grade is defined by two numbers that include a “W” after the first number (for example, 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-10, etc.). The “W” in that formulation stands for winter, and describes the viscosity level of the oil in cold temperatures (the lower the number, the colder the temperature). The second number defines the viscosity level at 100 degrees Celsius.

Your car’s manual should specify the type of oil that’s meant for the engine. Be sure to follow that advice, otherwise your engine could run inefficiently and even deteriorate over time. The resulting repair bill could cost you some serious money.

2. Neglecting to Change the Oil

You might think that you have too many things to do and you simply don’t have time to take your car in for routine oil changes. Think again.

Most modern vehicles simply weren’t made to run on the same oil for thousands and thousands of miles. There’s a reason why professional mechanics recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles. If you own an older vehicle, consider getting your oil changed every 1,000 miles. Doing so will help extend the life of your vehicle.

3. Forgetting to Get Dirty Filters Changed

With new car prices being as high as they are, you probably want to avoid going through the process of buying a new vehicle any time soon. If that’s the case, then make sure you change your dirty filters.

If you avoid changing dirty filters, sensors on your vehicle can fail. That means your “Check Engine” light might not illuminate when you really need your engine checked. The result could be disastrous as you’re forced to scrap your vehicle and start shopping for a new one.

4. Neglected Scheduled Maintenance

If you’re the kind of car owner who only brings your vehicle to the mechanic when something is wrong, then be prepared to fork over a lot of money in the long run.

Your car manual has information about tune-ups and routine maintenance. Follow that advice and you’ll minimize the risk of more costly repairs later on.

5. Failure to Rotate Tires and Check Air Pressure

Rotating your tires and checking their air pressure might seem like a pastime only meant for people who have a subscription to Car and Driver magazine. However, by neglecting to do so, you could cause tire deterioration, uneven traction, and strain on the steering and suspension parts. That could cost you money in repairs.

Take care of your car, and your car will take care of your wallet. With some proper preventative maintenance and a little know-how, you can avoid costly car repair mistakes.