Keeping Your Car Well-Maintained on a Budget

Owning and running a car can be expensive, with owners spending anywhere from £50 to £100 per month, but regular maintenance is vital to keep your car in good working order and avoid big repair bills down the line. Here are some tips for keeping your car well-maintained even when money is tight. 

Do Basic Checks and Top-Ups Yourself 

You can save money by doing simple maintenance jobs yourself in between full services. Check oil and coolant levels regularly and top up when needed - just opening the bonnet and having a quick look can spot any leaks or problems early. Check washer fluid levels too and fill up from a bottle bought at a supermarket. Giving your car a regular wash helps spot any new dents, scratches or rust spots that may need seeing to before they get worse. 

Keep on Top of Tyre Pressures 

Under-inflated tyres wear out more quickly, reduce fuel economy and are dangerous. Get in the habit of checking pressures monthly - use a gauge you can pick up cheaply from retailers like Halfords, don't just eyeball it. Top up at a petrol station or with a foot pump at home. Rotate the front and back tyres every 5,000 miles to help them wear evenly. 

Shop Around for Cheap Parts 

When you do need new parts like brake pads, shop around online and at motor factors to get the best deal. Aftermarket parts are usually a fraction of main dealer prices but perfectly adequate for everyday driving. Stick to known brands. Buying parts online and fitting them yourself will save on labour costs too if you are able to. 

Learn Basic DIY Skills 

With some basic mechanical skills and tools, you can take on more maintenance tasks yourself. Learn how to change oil and filters, spark plugs, brake pads and bulbs – these are common jobs, but they are labour intensive, so you save a lot by not paying a garage. Invest in a Haynes Manual for step-by-step instructions and guidance. Build up your toolkit gradually as your budget allows. 

MOTs and Annual Services 

Don't be tempted to skip an MOT to save money - it's illegal to drive an MOT-expired car. Shop around for the best value MOT Birmingham deal rather than just using your usual garage. Minor faults picked up on the MOT can often be fixed cheaply yourself afterwards if you have the skills.  

An annual service from a reputable garage will spot and fix any problems before they become major. Even if money is very tight, prioritise this yearly spend to save costs overall. Ask what is included in the basic service package - anything extra may not be essential. Consider using an independent garage rather than a main dealer. 

Prevention Beats Cure 

Spending a little money regularly on basic upkeep is cheaper than facing big bills for neglected repairs further down the line. Addressing small problems early stops them turning into major issues. Regular checks and TLC mean your car is less likely to let you down or fail its MOT too. Keeping on top of maintenance helps maintain the value of your car when selling on as well.  

A little time and money spent wisely keeps your car - and your bank balance - in better shape.