Ways to save money on car maintenance and repair
It can cost about $1,000 a year or more per year to properly maintain and service your vehicle, depending on what and how you drive. That can take a bite out of your monthly budget. However, you may be surprised to learn there are some things you can do yourself to save a lot of money.
Some repairs are expensive but others, not so much.
“Some repairs are really easy to do -- changing out air filters, wiper blades, even headlights! The parts are inexpensive and readily available,” said Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports car expert.
Knowing when to do it yourself or get expert help is key. Just ask Ian Karr, a classic car owner. He understands the importance of maintenance.
“Classic cars are like classic people. The older we get the more maintenance we need. The nice thing about classic cars is that maintenance is fun. Maybe even more fun than working out and the stuff you need to do for yourself,” Karr explained.
You've got a few choices to make. Do you take it to a dealer, an independent repair shop, or do you do-it-yourself?
“You should always bring your car to a dealer for recall work and any issue with the safety systems, including airbag and seatbelt repair. This is because of the ever-increasing complexity of the hardware and software,” said Pszczolkowski.
The same holds true for warranty work and anything to do with the infotainment system.
You can save money on less complex repairs like brakes, suspension, spark plugs and even an alternator, by going to an independent mechanic. They usually have lower labour costs and can keep costs down by using aftermarket parts.
Prevention is another great way to limit your repair bill. Take it easy on the road. Hard acceleration, hard braking and excessive speed will shorten your vehicle's life.
Consider the cost of maintenance and repair before buying a car. It can save a lot of money down the road. The Canadian Automobile Association has a driving cost calculator that can estimate your chosen vehicle's annual operational costs, including maintenance.
In addition, don't be afraid to DIY. You never know what you might achieve.
“With a car, it’s basically you got it right, or you didn’t. The headlight goes on, or it doesn't go on. How many things in life are that black and white? And you get the bonus of saving money at the same time,” said Karr.
Consumer Reports recommends going to a dealership, if you don't normally change your oil at home. It might be more expensive than one of those quick oil change shops but it can be worth it for higher quality oil and a filter that is specific to your car.
With files from Consumer Reports
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A newspaper says video of Prince William and Kate should halt royal rumour mill. That's a tall order
Prince William and his wife Catherine have been filmed at a farm shop near their Windsor home, The Sun newspaper reported -- the first footage of Kate since she had abdominal surgery for an unspecified condition two months ago.
'You ask for your money, they disappear': Ontario man loses $17K to AI crypto scam
A Toronto man is spreading the word of a cryptocurrency scam that lures victims using AI-generated news sites after he lost $17,000 in investments.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
High thoughts: The habits of Canadian cannabis users are revealed in a new StatCan report
Statistics Canada has conducted a series of surveys to measure the impacts of legalized cannabis since the Cannabis Act took effect in 2018. The latest one, the 2023 National Cannabis Survey, sheds light on users' preferences and habits last year.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Trump says Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and their religion
Former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday charged that Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and hate 'their religion,' igniting a firestorm of criticism from the White House and Jewish leaders.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Freddie Mercury's home is on the market for first time since 1980 minus his 'exquisite clutter'
Freddie Mercury's sanctuary in London, where he lived the last decade of his life, is on sale for the first time in nearly half a century -- minus his "exquisite clutter."
'The lost season': Winter comes to a close as Canada's warmest on record
The warmest winter on record could have far-reaching effects on everything from wildfire season to erosion, climatologists say, while offering a preview of what the season could resemble in the not-so-distant future unless steps are taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions.