Before You Buy

Many new cars are designed and built to minimize maintenance costs. For instance, many cars now feature long-lasting stainless steel mufflers and distributorless ignition systems. Refer to our analysis of overall maintenance costs for each new model, as well as costs for inspection and brake service. Take advantage of any maintenance warranty offered on your car, but don’t choose a car just because it comes with a maintenance warranty. Use our charts to see which vehicles feature this type of warranty.

After you’ve Bought

The most important tip of all: read your car’s owner’s manual.

Don’t skimp on routine maintenance. A regular maintenance program will protect your warranty, save you from costly, unexpected repairs, and will extend the life of your car.

Perform a quick inspection of your car every month for problems in the making. (See “The Ten-Minute Technical Inspection.”)

Have your car’s oil and filter changed regularly, according to the recommendations in your owner’s manual.

Keep all your service receipts; a complete set can increase your car’s resale value if it proves your car was well-maintained. Besides, it may help with warranty disputes.

Question service recommended by the dealership that is not itemized in the owner’s manual. Service centers are businesses, and as such, seek profits. The key to minimizing ownership costs is performing maintenance work at the right times and not paying for labor that simply isn’t needed. Ask to be shown worn and damaged parts before agreeing on repairs.

A program of routine maintenance, including oil changes, tune-ups, radiator flushes, tire pressure checks, and so on can save you big money in several ways:

It will prevent premature breakdowns and budget-busting repairs.

It will make your car last longer, so you won’t need to buy a new car as often. That means you avoid the costs of depreciation, taxes and finance charges that come with a new car.

When the time comes to sell your car, you’ll get a higher price for it.

Routine maintenance is required in order to keep your new-car warranty in effect.

Routine maintenance can even improve your car’s fuel economy.