1. Spare tire.
It’s just as important to keep your spare tire inflated as it is the four tires under your car. The last thing you want is your spare to be flat while you’re on the side of the road. That’s when you’ll need to call a tow truck (which can run you hundreds of dollars) It’s better to spend a dollar on an air pump to inflate your spare. That way you’re spared the cost and the hassle of getting a tow.
2. Oil Change.
How much can your car’s oil affect your budget? Oh, plenty! Oil problems can be some of the costliest car maintenance issues to fix, since oil affects a lot of your car’s functions. It’s better to spend a little on preventive maintenance and get the oil changed than to put it off and risk wearing out your engine.
3. Battery clean?
Corrosion (which looks like white or Greenish powder) can form on the terminals of your battery. If you don’t keep them clean, the battery terminal could lose connection with the battery and will not function properly, leaving you stranded. Since a car battery can cost upwards of $100 and a tow can run you even more buying a $5 wire brush and keeping the terminals looking spiffy it’s money well spent.
4. Brakes.
Do you hear a squeaking or even a grinding sound when you hit the brakes? If so, your brake pads could be worn. A new set can cost up to $300 for all four wheels, plus the labor charge if a professional installs them. We know that price tag may seem hefty. Being able to stop before rear-ending that Tesla in front of you is priceless.
5. Air filter.
Your car’s air filter keeps pollutants from coming in through the vents. The air filter has a pretty important job. Plus using an old air filter long past its life can lead to major problems for your air conditioning system. And trust us, you don’t want that. Replacing your full A/C unit can run anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.