OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Buying a new car isn’t an option for everyone, but keeping an old car may cost drivers time and money if not properly cared for during colder months.
Kevin Freeman is a car care manager with AAA. He said the majority of drivers end up spending more to stay on the road but there are ways to avoid that.
He said for every $1 spent in preventative care drivers save $7 in repairs.
“This is the perfect time to get your car looked at,” Freeman said. “When we get into the cold weather, the snow, the rain, the ice and those kinds of things, our shops fill up.”
He said a third of drivers service their cars on schedule, but most drivers wait until something really goes wrong.
“Then it gets expensive to fix it,” he said.
The average age of a car on the road is a record 12-years-old. Freeman said people don’t want to pay 7-8% interest on a new car or pay a hefty monthly car loan.
Instead, people are driving cars longer and putting more money into them.
Freeman said courtesy checks at auto shops will help drivers understand their vehicles better and prepare for any costs. That includes a check on the oil, fluids, battery and more.
According to AAA, the five most important care tips for older cars includes:
Check Battery: AAA said batteries in vehicles typically last between three and five years. The company recommends testing the battery after three years and then on an annual basis.
Check Tires: AAA suggests avoiding worn tires that can increase stopping distance, causing a crash. According to the Department of Transportation, there are more than 1.2 million weather-related crashes on U.S. roadways each year. AAA said drivers should be aware of changing tire pressure to help tires last longer.
Check Engine: As more cars on the road get older, AAA said drivers should check for failure of parts. According to AAA, system failures are most prominent in vehicles 10-years and older. The company advises drivers to check the radiator, thermostat or water pump, timing belt and more.
Check Fluids: Similar to tires, AAA suggests that incorrect use of or levels of fluids can breakdown a vehicle quicker.
Check Belts and Hoses: According to AAA, belts and hoses are often neglected and could strand drivers if one breaks down. The company advises a close inspection of those parts.
Freeman said simple things can also help drivers save money.
The wear on tires can be prevented by ensuring they are at the right pressure. Freeman points to a placard in the driver’s side door that shows what tire pressure the car should run at in varying weather.
Freeman said the industry is still impacted by shortages as auto workers across the country went on strike. He said there’s no convenient time to have a vehicle in the repair shop, so drivers should act now instead of when something goes wrong.