In the UK, on average, vehicle owners spend around £800 on vehicle repairs Northampton annually. While service costs cannot be neglected, there are some other things you can do to keep your vehicle repair bills as low as possible.

From skipping regular oil changes to ignoring strange noises and weird burning smells, In this blog post, we all cover how to keep your car running smoothly and help you keep your wallet happy.

1. Ignoring warning lights

Most modern cars have an advanced and complex system powered by the onboard computer to warn the driver of any issues or malfunctions in components using a warning light on the dashboard. Different sensors around important parts of the car trigger these warning lights.

While these warning lights do not always mean you should pull over your car from the road, it’s important to understand what they mean and what you should do next to avoid further damage to your car.

2. Procrastinating Tyre Change

Those tyres that are worn out can severely impact the safety of a vehicle resulting as reduced vehicle handling and increased stopping distances. They can also increase overall fuel consumption, which means burning more fuel than usual.

Not changing the tyres when the tread is below the legal limit of 1.6mm the rubber is cracked out or there are other serious dangers not only means you are driving illegally but it can also cause other parts of your vehicle to wear down more quickly, such as your suspension or alignment. This can result in increased servicing costs in the long run.

3. Not Changing Engine Oil

One of the most important things in servicing a combustion-engine vehicle is inspecting and topping up the engine oil as recommended by the manufacturer. If the engine oil is not changed as required, it can result in various issues with the engine. This can include engine wear and tear, overheating, reduced fuel efficiency and even harmful emissions.

4. Ignoring Strange Smells and Noises

An unusual or strange noise can be a sign of a number of problems with the vehicle, ranging from worn-out brake pads to a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

For instance, a grinding sound can mean a problem with the gear, a squealing noise could be due to faulty brake callipers or a worn clutch. A rattling noise can also indicate a problem with the catalytic converter or an issue with the suspension system, depending on where it’s coming from.

Neglecting these signs can further damage your vehicle so get it addressed as soon as possible and you may be able to stop an expensive repair. If you can sense any unusual smells in your vehicle, they could be a cause for concern.

5. Driving With Low-pressure Tyres

We recommend you check your tyre pressure at least once a month and once a week during winter months. Where necessary, tyres should then be inflated. If your tyres are underinflated, it can result in poor handling, low fuel efficiency and an increase in braking distance. On the other hand, overinflated tyres can reduce grip and increase the chances of a blowout.

Make sure you fill-up the tyre pressure to the recommended levels as per the vehicle manufacturer. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can negatively affect fuel efficiency and handling, it also has other long-term effects on the overall condition of the vehicle. The recommended tyre pressure can be found in the owner’s manual or inside the driver-side door.

6. Skipping Annual Service

Apart from the safety concerns of ignoring annual maintenance, different issues can appear if the service intervals are not adhered to by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Increased risk of breakdowns: This is because annual maintenance can help identify any potential issues and address them accordingly.
• Clogged-up components: Lack of regular maintenance also means that air filters and fuel injectors can get clogged up which can result in increased fuel consumption.
• Depreciation: Carrying out annual maintenance also contributes greatly to the resale value of the car as potential buyers may be not interested in a car that is poorly maintained.
• Invalidation of warranty: If the service is skipped during the manufacturer’s warranty period this can lead to the warranty being voided which means you will be liable to pay expensive repairs.

7. Not Cleaning the Exterior Regularly

Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained. Some problems that are a result of ignoring a car wash include:

• Corrosion: Your car’s exterior can be damaged due to bird droppings, road salt and other contaminants, leading to rust and other issues, including structural damage.
• Paint damage: External objects like dust, dirt and other debris collect on your car, and the paint can be scratched and damaged, leading to a dull and damaged appearance.
• Resale value: A well-maintained car that has not been cleaned on a regular basis can still be seen as a poorly maintained car because of its looks, and it can impact the resale value of the vehicle.

Although the above tips do not always guarantee that you will have no issues with your car, they can help to identify issues as soon as possible, which can help you save hundreds of pounds in vehicle repairs Northampton and servicing costs.