Be it a single car or a fleet, to ensure that the full potential of the vehicle is used, proper maintenance is necessary. This includes routine monthly checks, followed by specific tests at periodic intervals and quick diagnosis of any problems that the car might face. While individual repairs are an option, it is better to opt for an entire package as they are more economical and cover a wider range of maintenance arenas. Typically, car maintenance or servicing include replacement of oils in the engine, primarily coolant and the like, followed by the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) test for car safety and engine test under stress. In addition, regular upkeep comprises wheel alignment for optimum handling and mileage and replenishment of air conditioner gas. Interior servicing is also an integral part as comfort of the passenger is the most important aspect of any car.

When you buy a new car, it is bound to run smoothly for a while. The first time it is serviced, if you don’t have a package deal, there is a chance that you will be slapped with a huge bill. It is possible that this will be repeated. Maintenance packages help economize by spreading the cost over a year, and the average plan that includes all the important areas of servicing will cost an average of £60/month, a small price to pay for saving a lot in the future. In addition, with a package, you will not have to bear the burden of picking up and dropping off the car in every dealership by yourself. This is even more useful if you are managing a fleet! Imagine overseeing the maintenance of several hundred cars! With periodic maintenance, there is no chance of having huge bills at one go. Instead, the cost is evenly balanced out over a large period of time. Moreover, with servicing at proper intervals, the car performs better and has fewer emissions, thereby reducing the environmental impact too.

The basic coverage of a maintenance plan is the recommended maintenance by the manufacturer and this is taken care of according to the prescribed schedule. This usually includes checking the essentials like air and fuel filters and the electrical fitting and replacing them if necessary. In addition, brake linings, pads and discs are also checked. Moreover, cam belt is replaced in accordance with manufacturer schedule. However, normal wear and tear is taken care of. It is evident if the damage is due to irresponsible driving and this isn’t taken care of. Wheel alignment and tyre replacement is handled too. In case of tyres, setting is done according to the specific manufacturer.

Cars, as old as 1 year are taken into servicing and the contract is valid for three years. There is a stipulation that the vehicle needs to run a minimum of 20,000 miles every year. Other plans for higher mileage are also available and the pricing is done accordingly. There are comprehensive pricing plans for fleets at a stretch depending on the composition of the fleet. Usually, fleets comprising of the same car are charged much less. Another factor that influences the price of the servicing is the manufacturer. Cars whose spare parts are easily available are charged much less than those that need parts made by a specific manufacturer or the car manufacturer itself. In some cases, manufacturers don’t accept spare parts made by other companies.

Overall, it is a great idea to have a maintenance package that takes care of every aspect of car maintenance. Not only does this reduce the trouble on your part, it is much more economical and statistics have shown that cars benefit in the long run too.

People tend overlook or put off routine car maintenance. The philosophy seems to be if it is not broke do not fix it. While that may be true in some circumstances, car maintenance is not one of them. Do not wait until there is a major problem to take care of your vehicle. Waiting too long can cost you hundreds of dollars or more in major repairs. The best schedule for your car is the one in your cars auto manual. The manual that comes with your car customizes the list especially for the engine in the make and model of your automobile.

If the book is unavailable, a general checklist from an auto mechanic will work. Put a reminder on your cell phone or computer to remind you the scheduled maintenance is due. If you want to more precise, you can list the type of checks and maintenance that needs done at regular intervals. If at anytime your vehicle is not operating properly, have it checked. You know your vehicle better than anyone else does, so if you think there is a problem, there probably is. While no maintenance list is all-inclusive, checking the routine things regularly will extend the life of your car.

A vehicles engine operates using different types of fluids. If any are low, becomes ineffective or empty there is a good possibility of ruining your motor or transmission. Every three months or 3000 to 5000 miles check the water, anti-freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and transmission fluid. Change the oil in your vehicle because over time oil loses its elasticity. This causes the engine to work harder because proper lubrication no longer exists. Check the air pressure in your tires for optimum fuel mileage and even tread wear, making sure the lug bolts are still tight.

Follow the same list for maintenance at six months or every 8000 to 10,000 miles. Add replacing windshield wiper blades, check the tire tread depth, check the spark plug wires and clean the battery cables. At one year or 13,000 to 15,000 thousand miles, follow the same list for a six-month check. In addition, inspect all the car belts including the timing belt. Change the spark plugs, replace air and fuel filters, check for wear on the brake pads, and rotate your tires checking for uneven wear that indicates you car needs aligned.

If you do routine car maintenance yourself, it is not that difficult. If you hire it done, it is not overly expensive. Catching one problem before it causes major damage to your vehicle may save you enough money to pay for every routine maintenance check done throughout the lifetime of your vehicle.

Megan Perry is a writer who enjoys sharing her experiences, knowledge, and advice on a number of different subjects. For more information about car maintenance, Business Action For Water offers readers tips for saving money on auto expenses