5 Car Costs To Tackle Every Spring To Save Money
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Winter weather can be tough on a car, so it’s time to do spring maintenance. Now that temperatures are starting to heat up, your vehicle is begging you to prepare for the shift.
If you’re like many people, you might not see the point in performing maintenance on a car that appears to be working perfectly fine. However, being proactive can save you a lot of money.
When you take good care of your car, it tends to return the favor. Here’s a look at five car costs to tackle this spring, to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Get an Oil Change
- Average price: $35-$75 for conventional oil, $65-$125 for synthetic oil, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
A new season is a great time for an oil change. Motor oil protects your engine, but the longer it’s in place, the less effective it is.
Oil picks up impurities as it cools and lubricates your engine. You want it to be able to properly do its job all summer long — especially if you’re going on a road trip — so get this taken care of now.
Check Your Tire Pressure
- Average price: Often free
Spring is the beginning of many warmer months ahead, so it’s time to check your tires. Temperature fluctuations cause tire pressure to fluctuate — i.e., going from winter to spring.
Many service stations and vehicle repair shops will check your tire pressure for free, so it’s definitely worth doing. Ensuring your tires are set to the appropriate pressure will help your tires last longer, as well as reducing fuel consumption and boosting mileage.
Test Your Car Battery
- Average price: Often free
You might not realize this, but your car battery works harder in cold winter weather. On top of that, warm temperatures drain essential battery fluids and increase corrosion rates, which can wreak havoc on your battery.
Shops like AutoZone and Firestone will test your battery for free, so take advantage of this. Sure, it might mean you ultimately have to buy a new battery, but it’s better than having to pay for both a tow truck and a new battery if your car breaks down.
Inspect Your Windshield Wipers
- Average price: $50-$61, including parts and labor, according to KBB
Prepare for summer rain storms by making sure your windshield wipers are ready for action. Winter ice can quickly wear down wiper blades, causing them to be ineffective at clearing your windows off.
You can get this done at a service center, but doing it yourself can save a lot of money. For example, you can get a single wiper blade for a 2019 Honda Civic for as low as $5.99 at AutoZone.
Check Your Air Conditioner
- Average price: $384-$445 to repair a car air conditioner, according to KBB
Temperatures are heating up fast, and riding in a hot car is no fun. The last thing you want is for your car air conditioner to break in the middle of summer, so schedule an appointment with a technician to check it out this spring.
You might even be able to get this service for free. For example, participating AAMCO centers offer a free check, which includes a visual inspection of hoses, lines, seals and other parts, checking for leaks, checking temperature readings, ensuring your compressor is working properly and examining the drive belt.
Catching a car air conditioning problem early can help you save money and avoid major discomfort during the many warm days to come.
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