We all know that it is important to change the oil on your car, but have you ever taken the time to look through all the other regular maintenance they recommend on a vehicle? By keeping your vehicle regularly serviced, you are making sure that it lasts longer. Before you pay an arm and a leg at the dealership though, I suggest you call around. I needed the timing belt changed on my previous mini van. The dealership wanted $1,000 for it (you have to take the motor out to get to it) but the local mechanic (who was also certified) only wanted $300.
I HIGHLY suggest that you do not service the transmission if you are severely behind schedule or you aren’t sure if it has ever been serviced (like with a used vehicle). By servicing the transmission, you are getting rid of all the gunk that literally might be holding it together. My sister in law recently serviced her transmission (the car had over 100,000 miles on it and it had never been done) and within a month her transmission went out. (Definitely talk this over with your trusted mechanic, they might suggest just dropping the pan and changing the filter.)
But aside for vehicles, it’s also important perform maintenance other items you own such as your televisions, computers, small appliances, air conditioning unit, etc. You can fine the service schedule online for almost everything that you own.
Remember that maintaining is cheaper than replacing (usually!).
Do you have a money saving tip you’d love to see featured on Couponing to Disney? Be sure to email it to me!
Wanna learn how to save even more money? Be sure to read through all the Let’s Save Some Money posts.
RK says
We never replace computers in our house. We replace PARTS as they either break or become obsolete, not entire computers. Now, we have the advatage of both being computer-savvy, esp. my husband. I know it’s not so easy for everyone, but if you can find someone knowledgable who can help you, perhaps for a small fee, this is the way to go. (If you have to pay a pro, I’m not sure if it would be cheaper or not, since we’ve never had to pay anyone to do anything computer-related.)
Beccy says
I have to say my husband is an ASC certified mechanic, first off you do not want to ever flush your transmission. Have them drop the pqn and replace the filter. DO NOT DO A POWER FLUSH. Typically if a transmission has gone out its because something was not right. But please do the regular maintenance including the transmission. We have a side job in my garage now where because it was never serviced the transmission needs to be replaced and is extremely costly. Just thought I would add my 2 cents.
RK says
Thanks for the info!
Christine says
My daughter just got her future in-laws van and they serviced the transmission and now it needs a new transmission! Thanks for the heads up for the future! :)
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!