How to save money on car maintenance?

Every year, the average budget for French cars is between 6 and 7000 euros. Car repair is the second cost item in this budget. But it is possible to save money on maintaining your vehicle by comparing garages, performing regular vehicle checks yourself, and not missing out on any service or maintenance checks.

👨‍🔧 Choosing the right mechanics

The right choice of a mechanic is the key to saving on car maintenance. Indeed, there are different types of mechanics:

• . auto centers, for example Feu Vert, Norauto or Midas;
• . dealersthat belong to the production network of your car brand;
• . independent garage owners.

Depending on the type of garage, prices for car maintenance can vary greatly. There are also significant regional differences: for example, in the Ile-de-France, the prices for servicing your car are much more expensive. From one garage to another and depending on the region, prices may vary from 30%.

Thus, it is estimated that garages in Ile-de-France are on average 10-15% more expensive than the national average. Dealers are also generally more expensive than standalone garages or auto centers.

There are two reasons for this: the cost of labor, on the one hand, which is freely set by the garage, and the cost of spare parts, which depends on the supplier chosen by the garage owner.

Therefore, in order to save money on the maintenance of your vehicle, you need to start compare garages located near you and choose at the best price. A comparator like Vroomly lets you sort mechanics according to customer reviews, ratings, and prices.

Good to know : before 2002, you had to go to a dealer to service your car without losing manufacturer's warranty... Since the European directive aims to prevent manufacturers from monopoly on the car maintenance market, you are free to choose your garage and keep the manufacturer's warranty.

🗓️ Don't miss the overhaul of your car

Car overhaul is an important part of its maintenance. Made Every yearor every 15-20 km O. Car service consists of changing the oil, replacing some wearing parts, checking the levels and tires, etc.

Of course, you have to pay for major repairs. But by periodically servicing your car, you can be sure that over time you will spend less on car maintenance. For example, if you do not replace wearing parts that need to be replaced periodically, you could damage others and increase your bill.

In addition, your car must pass a technical inspection. every two years from the fourth year of putting into circulation. This check consists of checking 133 points different on your vehicle. In the event of failure of one of them, you will have to repair and then visit it for a second visit.

Of course, this comes at a price. The return visit is not always free, as is the ride in the garage. Overhauling your vehicle allows you to anticipate mechanical breakdowns, breakdowns and failures, changing what needs to be changed, and monitoring the condition of the rest of your vehicle.

It's no secret that a well-maintained car ends up costing less. And it turns out that overhauls are part of the regular and necessary maintenance of your car.

🔧 Check your car yourself

Since it is cheaper to maintain a healthy car, there are many small operations and repairs that need to be done on a regular basis. But for many, you can do it yourself and thus save money on car maintenance, even if you don't have any mechanical skills.

By performing these regular checks yourself, you will not only ensure that you do not have to pay for these services in the garage, but also prevent possible breakdown. Therefore, we advise you:

• Do tire pressure once a month ;
• Check fluid level regularly : engine oil, brake fluid, coolant ...;
• Check easily accessible parts for wear and possibly replace them yourself. : wipers, headlights, brake pads, etc.

💶 Buy auto parts online

The majority of your car maintenance bill is parts. Today, mechanics are required to offer auto parts fromeconomic cyclewhich is good for the planet and the environment, but also for your wallet as they are less expensive.

But you can also buy your auto parts yourself, even if you entrust the auto service to a professional garage. On the internet, you can compare prices from different suppliers and avoid the car mechanic's markup. For example, you will save on average 25 € for pneumatic if you buy tires online.

However, you must be very careful when purchasing quality parts that are compatible with your vehicle. To do this, do not hesitate to seek professional advice and consult with your service book WHERE Automotive Technical Review (RTA) your car.

🚗 Protect and clean your car

Taking good care of your car also means keeping it clean, both outside and inside. Indeed, salt, dirt, mud or even frost can user la bodywork and exhibits... Corrosion can form there especially.

Weather conditions and the mere fact of driving can have consequences for your body, but also for the fluids of your car, tires, battery, suspension, etc. next spring.

So clean your car regularly while also thinking about wash from the inside where bacteria can accumulate. Also remember to run it regularly, even on short trips: a car that never drives wears out even faster than a car that drives a lot.

That's it, you know how to properly care for your car to save money on maintenance! In order to provide maintenance or repairs to your vehicle at the best price, do not hesitate to refer to our garage comparator. Vroomly helps you compare mechanics near you to pay less for your car's maintenance!