For new and almost-new cars still covered by a warranty, rely on the dealership for repairs, where warranty work is free. But when you’re facing an expensive out-of-pocket repair or service, it pays to phone around to several repair shops to get more than one estimate. (Try our car repair assistant for a location-based estimate, and check out our guide to finding a trustworthy mechanic.)
Whether your car is new or used, you don’t have to bring it to a dealer for scheduled maintenance—like tire rotations, oil changes, and tune-ups—and it won’t void your warranty if you do.
Check out the owner’s manual. Few people bother to read it unless they’re forced to, but this is a mistake. Owner’s manuals explain in simple language all of a car’s features, including some you probably didn’t know you had, what specific oil or fluid to use, and what maintenance schedule to follow. If it didn’t come with the car, you can probably find one free online.
Use your common sense. Be alert for any unusual noises, smells, or fluid leaks. And be aware of changes in performance, such as diminished braking, acceleration, or steering abilities. Nipping problems in the bud can often prevent huge repair bills that result from ignoring the warning signs.
Check tire pressure. Regarding safety, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure is one of the most important routine maintenance tasks. Underinflated tires wear faster, waste gas, and degrade your car’s handling. Check pressure at least once a month and before any long trip. The correct inflation pressure is printed on a placard usually found inside the driver’s doorjamb, although it’s sometimes printed on the inside of the glove box or fuel-filler door. Keep a tire pressure gauge in the car. We prefer digital gauges with an illuminated readout. (See our tire pressure gauge buying advice and ratings.)
Pay attention to the paint. Regular car washing and waxing help preserve a car’s paint from corrosive salt, bug splatter, bird droppings, and road grime. Despite what the ads may say, no wax job lasts more than a few weeks at best. Paste wax isn’t necessarily better than liquid polish, and premium brands don’t necessarily outlast lower-priced alternatives. (See our car wax buying advice and learn more about how to get the most out of a car wash.)
Be a serious scheduler. It’s essential to follow the owner’s manual recommendations for oil-change intervals and major services, such as replacing the timing belt. But you don’t need to have that work done more often than the book says, regardless of what a service shop may tell you.
Join a club. A motor club such as AAA and Better World can be a lifesaver. They supply 24-hour roadside assistance if you break down, get a flat, or need to be towed. Plus, various discounts are often associated with membership, such as for rental cars or hotels. Your auto insurance company or even your cell phone provider may be affiliated with a motor club, as well. In addition, some credit cards and new cars come with free roadside assistance.
Renew the wipers. Windshield wipers don’t last forever—figure six months, at best, before they start leaving streaks. In addition to making it hard to see in the rain, if the wiper rubber disintegrates and flies off, the motion of the bare wiper arm on the windshield can indelibly scar the windshield in minutes. We have found that midlife, after a few months of use, wipers can often be renewed with a glass cleaner and paper towel. (See our wiper buying advice.)
Keep your papers handy. It’s a good idea to keep all your repair-related receipts in the car. That way, the dated service records and perhaps warranty cards for new tires, batteries, mufflers, and so on are handy when needed. Always keep your car’s registration certificate and your insurance card in the vehicle. But keep your car’s title certificate at home under lock and key.
Consider local shops vs. dealerships. Local repair shops are generally less costly because they have lower labor rates than franchised dealerships and often charge less for parts. Franchised dealer service departments, though, specialize in your brand, and their technicians have access to specialized tools and training. In our surveys, subscribers routinely report higher satisfaction with independent shops.
Choose a local mechanic. Ask your network of family and friends for service-shop recommendations. Shops with well-qualified mechanics often display a sign or certificate from ASE, a national certification organization. But that doesn’t ensure that all workers have the same certifications or that the person wrenching on your car is certified. Garages affiliated with AAA are good bets. And wherever you regularly have repair work done, try to establish a relationship of trust and respect. Dealerships and local shops often cut more slack to loyal customers.
Conduct a “tire drill.” You’re almost sure to get a flat tire once. If you’ve never changed a tire, practice installing your spare using the jack and tools that came with the car. The owner’s manual will tell you how. Ask an experienced friend to help out the first time, though. An older car’s wheel lug nuts or bolts can be stubborn customers. If the wrench supplied with your vehicle isn’t up to the task, consider buying a cross-handled wheel-lug wrench or long torque wrench from an auto parts store and keeping it in your trunk. Flat tires can often occur at inconvenient times. A little preparation can help get you on the road quicker and with less stress.
To learn more, go to our guide to car maintenance.
