You finally got your new car, how exciting! Owning a car is a type of happiness that can’t be expressed in words. Not all would understand it but who cares what others think right? As long as you are happy it’s all that matters.
Now, the immediate questions that come to mind after buying a new car are: How to care for your car? How to keep your car well-conditioned? Well, car maintenance/repair does come with a cost whether cheap or expensive.
So, always keep that in mind. If you are looking for an idea about how much a car repair cost along with a few basic details then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what an average car maintenance cost looks like, including how much each service item should cost, and how often you should have these services done.
A Thing or Two About Car Parts and Maintenance
According to a study by The American Automobile Association or AAA, a new car’s maintenance and repairs could cost an average of $1,186 per year. That’s a whopping amount right? That’s why budget planning about maintenance is important when you plan to buy a brand new car. Components like the batteries, brake pads, etc. are the vital components you should always keep a check on.
There are plenty of websites that provide useful information about every car parts. Also, it’s best to keep a maintenance list for major components. The cost and replacement time these components are listed below.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are a part of disc brakes. They convert the kinetic energy of your car into thermal energy through friction. Most often than not brake pads can get damaged due to rough handling of the braking system. The most annoying thing about failed brake pads is the screeching noise.
When that happens you know you need to drag your car to the mechanic for servicing. The mechanic will examine and inform you if your brake pads need a replacement or not. Just so you know, you can find your desired auto parts at any online auto parts stores.
When to Replace: Every 30,000-50,000 miles
Cost: $240 approximately
Battery
When a car battery dies, the starter dies as well. We unmindfully do many things that can drain the battery, for example- keeping the lights on for too long. The weather is a culprit as well. In winter, your car gets slow due to the freezing temperature.
While in hotter months the high temperature corrodes the internal plates and vaporizes the electrolyte. The lasting of car batteries depends on usage.
When to Replace: In every 3 years or so
Cost: $60 to $200
Tires
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s advised to change a car’s tires every 6 years. More than that can put the car’s life at stake. The front of the car bears much of the weight that’s why rotating your tires prevents uneven wear and prolongs their life.
Tire rotation is another important item to consider. Hence, replacement is mandatory.
When to Replace: In every 6 years
Cost: $50 to $300 depending on the brand and model.
Engine Air Filter
Engine air filter removes out dirt and debris from the engine. Normally, the air filter is located under the hood inside a rectangular air collector box near the front of the engine compartment. This special filter purifies the air of the engine from dust, grime, and debris.
If your engine’s air filter is not working, drag your car to the car maintenance service as soon as possible.
When to Replace: Every 20,000-60,000 miles
Cost: $20-$75
Why Should You Keep a Maintenance Budget?
Keeping a rough budget while you buy a car is a good habit and can prove beneficial in the long run. That way it wouldn’t put a dent in your wallet when your car parts need repairing or servicing.
The best way to keep a budget is to insure your car. Most of the auto body parts supplier accept insurance & some of them would do the claim on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about it. I have seen many people struggling to arrange cash at a crucial moment. That’s a painful process and I don’t want you to go through that ever.
That’s it for today, folks! Now that you have an idea about the cost and replacement time, there’s very little to worry about. Take care of your precious car but most importantly take care of yourself. Au revoir!
