8 Essential Tips for Cutting Down Car Maintenance Costs in Singapore

Owning a car in Singapore is no small feat, given the high costs involved.

However, maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

Here are eight crucial tips to help you keep your car running smoothly without breaking the bank.

1. Use the Right Fuel

Always fill up with the recommended grade of petrol for your car.

Each manufacturer specifies a minimum RON (Research Octane Number) rating for their vehicles.

Using higher-grade petrol might seem like a treat, but it’s often unnecessary unless your car specifically requires it.

For instance, a Subaru Forester XT requires a minimum RON of 95, whereas a Mitsubishi Attrage runs fine on RON 92.

Using premium petrol in a car that doesn’t need it is like buying gourmet ice cream for a child who’s just as happy with a popsicle.

2. Leverage Petrol Cards

Maximize your savings at the pump by using the right combination of loyalty and credit/debit cards.

Loyalty programs often offer significant discounts when combined with certain bank cards.

For example, at SPC, using the SPC&U loyalty card with a POSB Everyday card can give you up to a 21.8% in discount and rebates.

If you pair it with a UOB One Card, you can get up to 22.66% off in discounts and cashback.

Shell offers similar benefits when combining their loyalty membership with a UOB One Card, providing up to 24% in savings.

3. Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure

Regularly checking and maintaining your tyre pressure is a simple yet effective way to improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tyres.

Under-inflated tyres cause higher rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.

Most petrol stations offer free air, so there’s no excuse to neglect this.

Check your tyre pressure every two weeks and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can usually be found on the door sill or in the vehicle’s manual.

4. Wash Your Car Yourself

Regular car washes can be costly.

Save money by washing your car at home.

A clean car reduces air resistance, improving fuel efficiency slightly. Plus, it’s a great workout!

Keep a bottle of water and some tissues in your car to clean off bird droppings and tree sap promptly.

This prevents damage to your paintwork that could result in costly repairs.

5. Drive Efficiently

Your driving habits significantly impact your fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Smooth acceleration and gentle braking can reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s drivetrain and improve fuel economy.

Avoid treating every red light like a drag race start.

Using GPS with real-time traffic updates can help you choose the most efficient routes.

Avoiding traffic jams and reducing unnecessary stops saves both time and fuel.

6. Optimize Your Insurance

While comprehensive insurance is essential, ensure you’re not paying for unnecessary extras.

For instance, if you rarely have passengers, you might not need additional coverage for passenger accidents.

Consider limiting the number of named drivers on your policy to those who frequently use the car.

This can lower your premium.

When renewing your insurance, always shop around for better deals to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the best price.

7. Smart Servicing

Understand your car’s servicing needs.

Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for essential maintenance tasks like oil changes and brake checks.

Not all components need frequent replacement. For example, air-con filters don’t need changing as often as brake pads.

Knowing the correct type of engine oil your car requires can save you money.

You can purchase the oil yourself and only pay for labor at the workshop.

Regularly check spark plugs, air filters, and fluid levels to ensure your engine runs efficiently.

This prevents costly repairs down the line.

8. DIY Where Possible

Many minor maintenance tasks can be done at home, saving you the cost of a mechanic.

Simple tasks like replacing air-con filters, topping up wiper fluid, and changing wiper blades are easy to learn and perform.

Refer to your car’s manual to understand what parts are due for replacement.

Learning how to handle minor maintenance yourself saves money and gives you a better understanding of your vehicle.

Conclusion

Maintaining your car in Singapore doesn’t have to be a financial burden.

By following these tips, you can keep your car running smoothly and efficiently, saving money in the long run.

Regular maintenance, smart driving habits, and a little DIY can go a long way in reducing car expenses.

Writer's note: Images are purely fictional; for illustration only.