Gas and insurance costs are usually easier to plan for. But maintenance? That’s the kind of thing that can catch you off guard—a strange noise, a flat tire, or a breakdown right before payday. It all adds up quickly. The upside? A few simple, low-cost habits can help you stay ahead of surprise repairs and keep your car running safely.
Simple upkeep that helps prevent big repair bills
Car maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Even if money’s tight and your schedule’s packed, a few quick checks can go a long way.
Start with the basics. Check your oil between scheduled visits. Look over your tires to make sure they’re not too worn or low on air. And if your car starts making a new noise, don’t ignore it.
You don’t need to be a car expert. Just set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar to stay on track. When your car is your ride to work, the store, or picking up the kids, staying consistent helps everything run smoother.
We’ll walk through a few easy maintenance tips that can help you save time, money, and stress.
Check your tread regularly. If you see wear bars, bald spots, or bulges in the sidewall, it’s time for new tires.
Rotate your tires as recommended. Follow the rotation schedule in your owner’s manual to help them wear evenly.
Watch your air pressure. A low-cost tire gauge makes it easy to check PSI (pounds per square inch) at home. Refill tires as needed, and if you notice one losing air, get it looked at—many slow leaks can be repaired if caught early.
Change your oil regularly
Your engine relies on clean oil to keep its moving parts running smoothly. But over time, oil can break down or burn off—leading to poor performance or even serious engine damage.
Most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. During your next oil change, keep these tips in mind:
Check your manual. Look up your car’s recommended oil change interval and the correct oil type. Some vehicles require synthetic or conventional oil specifically, while others give you a choice based on cost or driving conditions.
Top off or replace other fluids. While you're under the hood, check brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, engine coolant, and antifreeze. Keeping these topped off helps your vehicle run safely and efficiently.
Inspect belts and hoses. Routine service is a good time to check for wear or cracks. Replacing these parts early can help prevent breakdowns and unexpected repair bills.
Check your lights frequently
Driving with a burned-out light isn’t just unsafe—it could also lead to a traffic ticket. Brake lights, in particular, can be easy to miss when they stop working.
Here’s how to check your lights:
Use auxiliary mode: Turn your key to the first position—or press the start button without your foot on the brake—to power your vehicle’s electronics without starting the engine.
Test each light: Check your headlights, high beams, turn signals (front and back), parking lights, fog lights, hazard lights, and brake lights.
If you're alone: Use a reflective surface like a garage door or wall to see if your brake lights glow red when you press the pedal.
Replace windshield wipers before they fail
Worn-out wipers can make it harder to see in rain, snow, or icy weather—putting your safety at risk. Don’t wait until you’re caught in a storm to realize they’re not doing the job.
To stay ahead of problems, keep these tips in mind:
Replace wiper blades every 6–12 months. In hot or dry climates, they may need replacing more often.
Check for warning signs. Skipping, smearing, squeaking, or cracked rubber are all signs it’s time for new blades.
Look up the correct blade sizes. Many vehicles use different lengths for the driver and passenger sides.
Don’t forget the rear wiper. If your car has one, it’s just as important—especially in wet or snowy weather
Check and replace your air filters
Clean air filters help protect your engine from dirt and debris—and help keep the air inside your vehicle cleaner, too. Dirty filters can reduce fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Check your filters at least once a year, or whenever you get your oil changed.
If you drive in dusty or rural areas, inspect them more often—they’ll likely wear out faster.
Watch for signs of clogging, like reduced gas mileage, engine hesitation, or strange engine noises.
Test your battery at regular service intervals
A weak battery can leave you stranded—especially during extreme heat or cold. Catching issues early can save you from an unexpected jump-start or tow.
Check your battery once a month. Look for dirt or corrosion around the terminals and clean it carefully if needed.
Have it tested twice a year, especially before the summer or winter seasons.
If you’re comfortable with a multimeter, a fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. Or, ask your mechanic to check it during routine service.
Inspect your brakes
Brake pads and rotors wear down over time, which can reduce stopping power and raise the cost of repairs if left unchecked.
Listen for squeaking or grinding sounds when braking.
Feel for vibration or pulsing through the brake pedal.
Measure your brake pads. If they’re less than a quarter inch thick, it’s time to replace them.
Uneven wear may signal issues with your brake calipers or other components. If you're unsure, have a mechanic take a closer look.
Three simple maintenance tips worth remembering
Keep your owner’s manual handy.
It includes maintenance schedules and service details tailored to your vehicle’s make and model. When in doubt, it’s your go-to guide.
Hold on to your maintenance records.
A clear service history can help with warranty claims—and may even improve your car’s resale value down the line.
Find a mechanic you trust.
Having a go-to shop means better, more consistent service—and a pro who knows your car’s history if problems come up.
Plan for the unexpected
Even when you stay on top of maintenance, things can still go wrong—like a flat tire or a dead battery. That’s where having dependable auto insurance can help.
Dairyland®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, provides affordable and flexible auto insurance solutions. Whether you need help staying road-ready or getting back on track, we’re here for you.
The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our blog disclaimer.