A car’s purchase price is only a fraction of the overall cost of owning it. There are additional costs that go along such purchase decision, namely -taxes, fees, annual interest rate, insurance premiums, fuel costs, repair, and, of course, regular preventive maintenance expenses. Many car owners tend to stall the latter in order to save some cash. However, anyone who has ever worked on cars will tell you to never ever ignore this. Read this article to learn about the factors that you need to consider in making an annual budget plan for your car maintenance costs. 

Mileage of Your Vehicle

Mileage pertains to the number of miles traveled by a car. The higher a car’s mileage is, the higher its maintenance cost becomes. A car usually requires major repairs after incurring a mileage of around 20,000 km.  If you frequently use your vehicle for long distance trips, it is very likely that it will also incur more expensive maintenance and repair costs in the near future. 

Tip: Keeping all car service receipts will enable you estimate and prepare for maintenance cost in succeeding years. 

How You Treat Your Vehicle

Observing good driving behavior will  protect your car from damage. Also, the main secret to prolonging the lifespan of your car is following the scheduled maintenance plan of your car. This usually correlates with the mileage of your vehicle. If you skip scheduled maintenance, the costs will just add up to the next regular check up of your car. By stacking up the missed maintenance, the costs involved would also pile up leading to a much more expensive one-time payment.

To add, the road conditions of your daily route also carries a huge toll on your vehicle. For instance, if you often go to places where the road has a rough terrain, it is more likely that your wheels will be replaced earlier than expected. That is why it is important to invest on an appropriate car that will fit your daily lifestyle.

How Old Your Car Is

As you might have known, cars depreciate over time. This is simple due to damage caused by wear and tear. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that typically, an older car would need more repairs than new ones. Although this particular aspect is very much related with the first two categories that we have mentioned. It is important to note that Canadian weather can also have a huge impact on the condition of your vehicle. Extreme changes in temperature is a lot for your car to take in given a certain number of years. In order to somehow strengthen your car from harsh weather conditions, regular maintenance and repair are the two things that you should not take for granted. A small damage can worsen over time if taken for granted. A simple engine oil or regular comprehensive check up must be observed in order to be aware for any ongoing mechanical issues. More importantly, never use your car if you know that there are repairs that need to be done regardless of its severity.

To sustain the expenses of keeping a relatively depreciated car, progressively add a few hundred dollars on your last year’s budget. For example, if last year’s budget is $300, it is likely that you will be paying $400 (or more) for this year’s maintenance costs. Overestimating your budget will actually do more good to you than underestimating the amount. This way, you will minimize unexpected expenditure on your vehicle.

Choosing the right car for your daily needs is crucial. However, you should also consider the costs involved and the ease of access to reputable car mechanics. With over +5,000 vehicles readily in stock, New Car Canada will definitely get you the car that will suit your needs. We offer instant car loan approval despite your credit. Our application is completely free with easy requirements. Just fill out our 1-minute online application and get approved for any vehicle of your choice. Moreover, we work with the best car dealerships in your area so you won’t have to look for them yourself. Get easily approved inside the comforts of your home. Apply today!

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