Now that you have purchased a new or used vehicle, you are no doubt enjoying the freedom to drive wherever and whenever you want.
Of course, that freedom comes with the additional costs and expenses of maintaining the car.
Regular vehicle maintenance is part of the experience of owning, and with a little personal education, you can be blindsided by seemingly random problems, or worse, tricked into a malicious workshop. can be avoided.
Get educated on the basics of vehicle components
You don’t need a mechanical engineering degree or know all the features of a car, but it’s useful to at least understand how a car works.
This information is freely available on the internet these days, so even if you’re completely new to cars, a few hours of research can tell you how your car works and what could go wrong. .
At least you won’t be tricked into paying for “turner fluid” and “LED headlight coolant” refills.
Deal with established and reliable workshops
When you buy a new car, a warranty covers the first few years of ownership. However, if you have a used vehicle, or if your current vehicle has been in use for many years, you’ll likely find that service at a dealership is usually a more expensive option than an independent workshop.
Most mainstream car brands have specialized workshops for only a few brand cars and have the ability to source genuine parts. These are great places if you form a working relationship with them.
However, car ownership is usually a long-term prospect, so working in a workshop is also a very personal thing. Some drivers prefer to put the car out of their hands, sort the work, and return it after they’re done. This seems to be the method of choice for most Singaporeans.
But many specialist and hobbyist workshops are happy to work with owners who know exactly what they need, so to speak, getting their hands dirty. These guys take a more consultative approach to vehicle maintenance that is favored by serious car enthusiasts.
Which method is best for you depends largely on how involved you want to be in car maintenance.
Do your research on consumables, but don’t make too many claims
The average family sedan has over 10,000 moving mechanical parts. Some of these are consumables that are permanently unavailable. The trick is to understand what will wear out and need replacement, and prepare financially for that.
Expensive and labor intensive replacements include tires, brake components and steering system parts. Another common point of failure on older cars is the air conditioning system, which usually requires a complete replacement rather than a patchwork repair.
Being aware of the lifespan of a component means that you won’t be surprised when it ticks towards the end of its functional life.
Still, try not to be too smart about it and discuss it with your mechanic for reasonable reasons for maintenance.
We can talk about cost comparisons, but time is more than ever a valuable commodity, so driving a car and having it diagnosed at various workshops can be a real hassle. We recommend finding a comfortable workshop and sticking with it.
ask a knowledgeable friend
Do you have a nut friend? ask them for advice. Most people are happy to share what they know and insider tips.
However, there is a caveat. Being with some friends can influence you to throw more money into your car than you originally intended.
Enhancements are one thing, but remember that most Singaporeans don’t drive the same car for more than 5 years. So, unlike a house, what you put into modifying your car isn’t meant to last a lifetime and is subject to the same wear and tear conditions.
Set a budget if you want, but don’t go crazy with accessories unless of course that was your plan all along.
Also Read: Buyer Pays $30K For Used Car, But Nearly $10K For Repairs Within A Month
This article was originally published on CarBuyer.
