A vehicle is a big investment that should be cared for and kept in good condition. A poorly maintained car is a safety hazard that can lead to accidents, which in turn, can cost a lot of money.

Whether you have a new or used car, you should follow the maintenance schedule in its owner’s manual to ensure that your car is safe and running at its best. This will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future and make your car more fuel-efficient, saving you money at the pump.

There are many things that need to be fixed and replaced during routine maintenance, such as oil changes, fluid replacement, air filters, cabin filters, tire rotation and alignment, brake pads and shock absorbers. These small fixes keep the vehicle functioning at its optimal level and prevent them from breaking down or causing an accident. For more info I’ll suggest you visit the website medical transportation services.

Some services, like oil changes, are necessary and cannot be avoided, but other services may be optional based on your driving habits. For example, if your brakes wear down more quickly than normal, you can change your driving habits to prevent this by slowing down and stopping your car sooner to extend the life of your brake pads.

Another optional service is replacing your cabin filter to eliminate dust, pollen and other contaminants from entering the cabin. This will reduce the amount of smog and pollution you breathe, which can be dangerous to your health. Likewise, if your spark plugs start to lose their efficiency over time, you can replace them with new ones to avoid costly engine damage.

Sometimes, it is easy to forget about or ignore routine maintenance and minor car repairs because they don’t seem urgent. However, it is important to remember that these small fixes can add up and cause major problems in the long run. It is also much more expensive to pay for emergency repairs than it would be to invest in routine maintenance and car repair.

Getting regular car service is one of the cheapest ways to save on your fuel costs and to maintain the value of your vehicle. Many people who slack on car maintenance end up paying more for their cars at resale than they would have if they had just taken the time to do it regularly.

Depending on the type of service you need, you can choose to go to your local mechanic or to the dealer. Generally speaking, dealers are more expensive but they usually offer a warranty and will use official parts and fluids that were designed for your specific make and model of car. You can also find independent mechanics who are willing to perform the same services for a lower price. NerdWallet recommends shopping around and getting quotes from several independent mechanics to compare prices. In addition, be sure to check the auto shop’s reputation online. A good reputation can mean lower prices and a better quality of work.