Save Money on Automotive Maintenance

Understanding Your Owner's Manual

Your vehicle's owner's manual is your best friend when it comes to automotive maintenance. It provides a detailed schedule of recommended services, which, if not followed, could void your warranty. For instance, my manual suggests an oil change every 3,000 miles or three months for normal driving conditions. However, for fleet vehicles, it recommends oil changes every 4,500 miles or six months.

What Are Fleet Vehicles?

Fleet vehicles are typically used for high mileage or long trips, exceeding 9,000 miles per year. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average American drives about 13,500 miles annually, which means most of us should follow the fleet maintenance schedule.

Cost Savings

By adhering to the fleet maintenance schedule, you can save a significant amount of money. Over a 75,000-mile, five-year period, I calculated a savings of around $500 by extending service intervals. More importantly, fewer service visits mean fewer opportunities for scams and poorly done work.

Warranty Concerns

Manufacturers may threaten to void your warranty if you don't follow the recommended service schedule. However, using the fleet schedule is not considered abuse. The burden of proof for neglect lies with the manufacturer, and this is usually only an issue in extreme cases, such as when engine oil looks like tar due to lack of changes.

Real-World Example

I work for a government fleet with 1,800 pieces of equipment. Our cars and light trucks get their oil changed every 4,500 miles or six months. Over a five-year, 100,000-mile study, we had no engine failures. This experience has convinced me that the fleet schedule is sufficient for my personal vehicle as well.

Navigating Your Owner's Manual

Owner's manuals are often not user-friendly, possibly by design. A confused owner is more likely to trust the dealer, who may push for more frequent service intervals. The maintenance section is usually towards the back of the manual. I recommend reading it multiple times until you fully understand it. Don't hesitate to call the customer assistance line for clarification.

Becoming an Expert

By becoming knowledgeable about your vehicle's maintenance needs, you can confidently shut down any unnecessary upsell attempts from service advisors. This not only saves you money but also changes the shop's attitude towards selling you services you don't need.

Interesting Stats

• The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Source
• A study by AAA found that the average cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2021 was $9,666 per year, or about $805.50 per month. Source
• According to a survey by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), 74% of consumers feel that they have been overcharged for auto repairs at some point. Source

Conclusion

Understanding your vehicle's maintenance needs can save you money and protect you from unnecessary repairs. By following the fleet maintenance schedule and becoming knowledgeable about your vehicle, you can avoid scams and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.

For more information on automotive maintenance, check out these resources from AAA and the Federal Highway Administration.