What comes after the purchase
“HOW much is the maintenance?” is a question often asked on the showroom floor, as the maintenance cost of a car can make or break a deal.
Aside from hire purchase payments, the maintenance cost of a car could make the ownership experience sweet or turn it into a scary nightmare.
Your car’s maintenance cost is influenced by several factors. Below is a quick rundown on what adds up to your bill each time the wheels turn.
Routine service
Your routine service, which usually involves an engine oil change, will be the biggest contributor to the running cost of your vehicle. The bulk of the cost goes to the type of engine oil you use for the car.
If your car demands a high-performance engine oil, be prepared to fork out a bigger amount during each service. Do not be surprised to find cars with similar capacities being subjected to different service pricings.
Major service cost
Besides your routine engine oil change, other key components such as the engine air filter, drive belts, spark plugs and pollen filter for the air-conditioning will need to be changed periodically. These are usually done during major services.
Get a full breakdown of how much your major service can cost and at which mileage interval it has to be performed. A heads-up will allow you to prepare in advance or you risk losing your warranty. Fresh rubber
Your tyres are extremely important. They are the only point of contact your car and its controls have with the road. Therefore, keeping tyres in good condition and changing them once they wear out is essential for your safety while driving. However, they are not cheap and vary drastically according to size.
A saloon such as a Proton Persona or a Honda City could use tyres that cost between RM180 and RM250 each.
However, an SUV may require an extra RM100 per tyre at the very least. That is an extra RM400 for a set of four tyres.
Be sure to check tyre prices prior to your purchase.
Point-brake
Along with tyres, your brake pads and discs could be a costly fix. Smaller, lighter cars require smaller brake pads that cost less.
Bigger, heavier cars will not only require more expensive pads and discs but also more frequent changes due to the extra load more so when you drive like you are auditioning for the next Fast and Furious movie.
Absorbing costs
Your suspension system, which comprises your car’s shock absorbers and springs, has a service life as well. Once it wears out, your car will lose its handling character and behave with the dexterity of a drunk person. Find out what its service life is, and how much it costs to replace each component.
Mounting expenses
Your engine mounts, suspension arms and bushes also have service lives. Although their longevity heavily depends on the kind of driving you do and the terrain on which the car is driven on, knowing their costs and lifespans will help you plan your expenses in advance.
When these items fail, your car will sound like someone is playing the bongos on the underside of your car every time you drive over uneven pavement.
These are basic expenses one may incur as a car owner. If any of the parts fails prematurely, it could be the fault of the component, in which case your replacement and workmanship will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Getting to know the price of these items (available from the aftersales department) will help you gauge the maintenance cost of your vehicle and help you plan ahead.