Do you include car maintenance in your budget? Back in my less frugal days I would ignore the expense until I was hit with a large repair bill. Ouch. While it’s no surprise that cars require maintenance-it just tends to sneak up on us if we don’t plan ahead. Now, of course, I include a line item in my budget for car maintenance. It helps to make those $600 bills a little less cringe-worthy.
What To Budget For Car Maintenance
For most people a budget of about $100-$150 per car per month should be enough to cover your maintenance costs. While you may not spend $1,200 each year you can keep those funds in a savings account for easy access when you have a costly car repair. If you pay fees each year to register your car it’s worth including those in your savings as well.
Know When Maintenance Is Necessary
It’s likely your car has a standard checklist of services that need to be performed at each mileage amount. However, those standard service dates are sometimes a bit aggressive. Instead you should rely on both a little research and a trustworthy mechanic.
A little car care knowledge will go far, too. If you know things like how often you should get your oil changed and knowing how to determine if you need new tires you will be able to better determine when it’s time to make a visit to the mechanic.
Tire Care
Did you know tires need to be replaced approximately every 40,000 miles? Tire life can be longer or shorter depending on how you drive, the type of tires you have, how rough the roads are, and more factors. That 40,000 miles is a good guideline to start. For some people every 40,000 miles would be every year while others might need to only purchase new tires every 4 years.
Tire Tread Penny Trick
You’ve heard you can measure tire tread with a penny, right? You place a penny upside down in your tire tread. Lincoln’s head should be facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head it’s time to replace. If not, you’re still good. You should test on all 4 tires (they often wear differently) and all over the tires to be sure you’re in the clear.
Replacing Tires
Replacing your tires can be a costly endeavor, but there are some ways to save big by shopping around.
First, you’ll want to find out what kind of tires your car has and what your options are. For instance, my car (a 2007 Nissan Quest) only has three options when it comes to replacement tires. While my choices are limited I can still get the brand name and info of our tires to call around for pricing.
Second, you’ll want to ask about all the fees and labor a shop will charge. You may find that some shops offer low, low prices because they are charging an arm and a leg for installation and other fees. You want their ‘all in’ pricing.
Third, you’ll want to call Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club offers you the best price because they are willing to match any price. Their policy is: “If you find a better ‘all-in’ price on tires, Sam’s Club will match it.”* It’s part of their Dare to Compare offer.
Here’s how the Dare to Compare offer works:
Bring a valid ‘all in’ quote from a tire and installation retailer to your Sam’s Club Tire and Battery service counter. It should be written on dealer/retailer letterhead, dated within the past 7 business days. Read more and learn about Dare to Compare here.
Same Tires
The tire must be the same as the one Sam’s Club carries - same brand, same model, same service description and same speed rating. In some cases, Sam’s Club carries a club specific tire model - for those Sam’s Club will compare to the general market tire model.
Extra Savings
Sam’s Club also offers tire brand promotions that can make for even bigger savings. For instance, you can purchase Pirelli tires (through 4/12) and get $80 in instant savings. They’re also offering a sale on Michelin tires (through 4/6) that will save you $70 on a set of 4 tires.
Great Prices On Installation
Sam’s Club also offers a great value on their Tire Installation Package ($15/tire, $25/dually tire). The Sam’s Club Tire Installation Package provides purchasing members with the following benefits and services for as long as they remain an active member of Sam’s Club:
- New valve stems
- Lifetime balance and rotation
- Emergency roadside tire change service
- No charge flat repair
- Road hazard protection*
While paying for tires isn’t tops on anyone’s list planning ahead and shopping around for great pricing and service is a savvy way to save on this routine car care cost.
Kelly
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Sam’s Club and I was compensated to write it. Regardless, what I have written is my own opinion and experience, and I hope you find it of use.”
*Complete terms and conditions of all Sam’s Club warranties and services can be obtained at any Sam’s Club Tire and Battery Center location
Nick Mallory says
Tires are such a vital part of auto safety; I wish that more people paid attention to them. Most people don’t think about their tires until they start sliding on the road in the road or snow, or until they have a blowout on the highway. I appreciate you taking the time to inform us about how to know when to replace our tires. The penny trick is a great way to know; I recommend that to people all the time. Thanks!