by Tiger Okeley, an Executive Board Member for Indiana Finance Company and Oak Motors. Tiger has over 40 years of expertise in the Buy Here Pay Here industry. He is dedicated to providing innovative transportation solutions and empowering underserved customers through socially and financially responsible practices.
The trend to prioritize immediate savings over long-term benefits has been increasing in recent years. Unfortunately, this mindset can often leave people in difficult financial situations when unforeseen issues arise. Regular car maintenance is one significant yet frequently overlooked long-term money saver. As a used car dealership, we witness firsthand how consistent vehicle care can prevent costly repairs. This is why we emphasize to our customers that by budgeting for maintenance now can save them money in the future.
A key factor to minimize car repair expenses is to stay on top of regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Car owners often delay maintenance until something goes wrong. However, being proactive about maintenance, owners can increase safety, fuel efficiency and extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
While regular maintenance might not always be top of mind, here’s a general checklist to help you keep track of these essential tasks or check out this maintenance schedule:
A car has many components that function seamlessly, until they don’t. For example, when you have clean oil that is changed regularly, your engine works at its prime. However, not changing it or not checking levels regularly can lead to an engine break-down, turning a $60-$90 maintenance task into a $1,000 repair. Another common issue we see is when brakes are not regularly maintained, it can result in tire blowouts or wheel corrosion, which are easily preventable. It’s good to remember that maintaining your car is often more manageable and cost-effective than purchasing a new one.
Below is a cost breakdown comparing regular maintenance versus major repairs:
Compared to:
When buying a car, the cost of regular maintenance should always be added to your budget. By understanding how much you need to budget monthly for regular maintenance expenses in the beginning and considering your current financial obligations, you can make more informed decisions about your finances. Additionally, comparing insurance rates annually could lead to significant savings over time — so don’t hesitate to shop around for the best deal.
Now that you can see the cost and understand the importance of regular maintenance, we want to share some common things to inspect monthly to keep your car in good condition. Here are some simple things to check on:
Proactive inspections catch issues early, preventing breakdowns and reducing overall maintenance and repair costs.
Purchasing a vehicle from a dealership that offers maintenance and repair services as an added benefit, like we do at Oak Motors, can reduce your worries about vehicle maintenance while also saving you money. At Oak Motors, customers get benefits like buy-one-get-one-free oil changes for vehicles purchased through the dealership that are still under warranty. We also handle repairs you may not be equipped to manage, ensuring the job is done right the first time. Regular car maintenance is an investment in your vehicle’s longevity, safety, and overall performance. By staying proactive, you can save money and enjoy a smoother, more reliable ride. To learn more about what maintenance services we offer, contact us online, by phone or stop by one of our five locations.
