Regular car maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in top condition, but some tasks can slip through the cracks. When left unchecked, these missed tasks can hurt your car’s performance, safety, and — yes — even your car insurance costs. Staying on top of maintenance not only prevents expensive repairs but also helps your car run smoothly, which could save you money and even reduce your insurance premiums.
Even though they may not always be top-of-mind, taking care of these seven maintenance tasks can make a big difference.
1. Tire Maintenance
Regular Tire Rotation: Tires naturally wear unevenly, so rotating and aligning them helps even things out and can improve your fuel efficiency. Skipping this could mean replacing your tires sooner than expected—or even worse, dealing with a blowout while driving. By staying on top of tire rotation, you’ll not only extend the life of your tires but also keep your car handling better and safer on the road.
>> Suggested frequency: Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or roughly every other oil change.
Checking Tire Pressure Frequently: Tire pressure tends to change with the weather and how you drive. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps improve fuel economy and makes your car handle better. Under-inflated tires create more friction, causing uneven wear, which can mean more trips to the gas station and higher repair costs. By checking and adjusting your tire pressure regularly, you’ll drive more efficiently and keep things safer on the road.
>> Suggested frequency: At least once a month and before long trips.
2. Brake System Inspection
Check Brake Pads and Rotors: Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your car when it comes to safety. Worn brake pads and rotors reduce your ability to stop quickly, which can increase the risk of accidents. Regular checks and timely replacements keep your brakes sharp and reliable, helping you avoid costly repairs and potential accidents.
>> Suggested frequency: Check brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles and check rotors every 50,000 to 70,000. You should also immediately see your auto mechanic whenever you notice reduced braking performance, unusual noises, or vibrations.
Flushing Brake Fluid: Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can weaken your braking power and even lead to brake failure. Flushing and replacing the fluid ensures your brakes stay in top shape and perform at their best. Keeping your brake system well-maintained lowers the risk of accidents, which can help you avoid repair costs and keep your insurance rates stable.
>> Suggested frequency: Flush those brakes every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first.
3. Suspension System Maintenance
Inspecting Shocks and Struts: Shocks and struts are necessary for a smooth, controlled ride. They absorb road bumps and help keep your car or truck stable as you drive. If they’re worn out, you might experience rough handling, excessive tire wear, or difficulty steering. Regular inspections and maintenance will make sure your ride stays comfortable and safe, which can help prevent accidents and keep insurance claims down.
>> Suggested frequency: Inspect shocks and struts every 12,500 miles and have them replaced every 50,000 miles or if you notice a rough ride, excessive bouncing, or difficulty steering.
Check for Alignment Issues: Correct alignment is necessary for even tire wear and good vehicle handling. Misalignment can cause your car to pull to one side and lead to uneven tire wear. If left unchecked, it can result in more serious problems like unsafe handling, suspension damage, and a higher risk of accidents. Fixing alignment issues quickly can save you money on tire replacements and help prevent potential insurance issues.
>> Suggested frequency: You have options here. Get your car’s wheels checked for alignment every 6,000 miles, once a year, or every other oil change. Of course, if you notice your car pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, head to your mechanic immediately.
4. Fluid Checks
Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid keeps your car’s transmission system running smoothly by lubricating the components for smooth gear shifts and helping to cool the transmission to prevent overheating. Regularly checking and replacing this fluid can help avoid costly repairs and keep your car shifting like new. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to overheating, which may cause severe damage, such as worn-out gears, a damaged torque converter, or even complete transmission failure. These problems can result in expensive repairs that could have been avoided with proper care.
>> Suggested frequency: If you drive a stick-shift or manual transmission, consider changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For automatic transmissions, you can usually wait 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing it sooner is also a good idea and won’t hurt anything.
Power Steering Fluid: Want an eye-opening drive? Try driving an older car with no power steering. Power steering fluid helps you handle your car or truck much more smoothly. But, if the fluid levels are low or contaminated, steering can become difficult and could lead to severe damage, such as overheating or failure of the power steering pump and other components. Regularly checking and maintaining the power steering fluid keeps your steering responsive and helps you avoid potential safety issues and costly repairs.
>> Suggested frequency: On average, you should flush your power steering fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or according to manufacturer recommendations.
5. Battery and Electrical System Checks
Regular Battery Testing: A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded, leading to unexpected towing costs and potential insurance claims. The battery powers all the important systems in your car, including the ignition, GPS, infotainment, wipers, power windows, power seats, headlights, interior lights, and even your horn. To extend your battery’s life and guarantee reliable starts, keep it free of any dirt or debris that can cause a discharge, and make sure it’s securely mounted to avoid damage from vibrations. Also, it’s recommended to take your car on a joy ride every once in a while, as frequent short trips don’t give the battery enough time to fully charge. Replacing a battery before it fails can save you from the hassle and expense of roadside assistance.
>> Suggested frequency: Typically, it’s recommended to inspect your battery at least twice a year or every 6,000 miles.
Inspecting Electrical System: Your car’s electrical system, including the alternator, starter, and wiring, is needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If the electrical system fails, it can cause issues like the loss of power to critical systems such as headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, which can reduce your visibility and ability to communicate with other drivers. It might also lead to engine stalls or failures in systems like the power brakes or steering, increasing the risk of accidents. Regular inspections help prevent these failures and promote reliable performance, reducing the risk of accidents and potential insurance claims related to electrical issues.
>> Suggested frequency: Have your mechanic check your car’s electrical system twice a year, in late fall and late spring. Warning: If you notice a burning smell, stop driving your car immediately and have it towed to a service station. Continuing to drive could cause additional damage to the electrical system.
6. Windshield and Wiper Maintenance
Repairing Small Windshield Cracks Promptly: Small chips and cracks in your windshield can quickly turn into larger issues if not addressed. Prompt repairs can prevent further damage and avoid the need for costly windshield replacements. Some insurance policies include windshield maintenance as part of the coverage, and in certain states, regulations require that windshield repairs be done at no cost to the driver to promote safer driving. Taking care of minor damage early helps keep your windshield in good condition and can prevent potential insurance claims for major repairs. Click here for info on windshield replacement and repair costs.
>> Suggested frequency: Repair cracks or chips as soon as you notice them to prevent further damage.
Replacing Worn Wiper Blades: It’s sort of obvious that safe driving depends on good visibility, especially in bad weather. So why haven’t you changed your wiper blades lately? Worn or damaged wiper blades can impair your view, increase the risk of accidents, and potentially scratch your windshield, which could lead to costly replacements. Regularly replacing your wiper blades helps maintain clear visibility and reduces the chances of accidents and related insurance claims. Remember to check the rear window wiper blades if your car has them.
>> Suggested frequency: Replace your wiper blades about once a year. In regions with really rough winters, you should do it more often.
7. Exhaust System Inspection
Check for Leaks and Corrosion: The exhaust system is the key to controlling your car’s emissions and maintaining its performance. Regular inspections help spot leaks and corrosion before they become serious issues. Taking care of your exhaust system helps your vehicle operate at its best, preventing power loss that could affect acceleration and handling and reducing the risk of accidents. It also helps you pass emissions tests and avoid potential fines or insurance claims related to exhaust problems.
>> Suggested frequency: Whenever you notice unusual noises or performance issues or during routine maintenance visits, which should be done at least once a year.
Addressing Overheating Issues: Overheating can be a serious problem, often linked to issues with the exhaust system. Components like the catalytic converter can become damaged or clogged, leading to increased engine temperatures. If left unchecked, this overheating can cause the engine to fail or even create a fire hazard, which could result in an accident. Regularly checking your exhaust system helps identify potential issues before they lead to severe overheating.
>> Suggested frequency: Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or during annual maintenance check-ups.
Keep your car — and car insurance — in tip-top shape.
Skipping out on these crucial maintenance tasks can lead to higher repair costs, decreased performance, and increased insurance premiums. By staying proactive with your car’s upkeep, you can count on better safety and performance and potentially lower your insurance costs.
For all your auto insurance needs, connect with a Guided Solutions advisor today. Connect with us at (833) 791-4719 or get a fast online quote in minutes.