There used to be a time when owning a car was akin to a status symbol since they were so expensive. But times have changed and so have the cars, in that owning a car has become a necessity.

While owning a car can be great, there are some responsibilities that go along with it. One such duty is the maintenance of the car. Basic car maintenance is pretty easy and can be done by almost anyone if they have the right knowledge and tools. If not, you can always head out to your nearest garage and have the experts deal with it. But what is important is that the car is periodically serviced to make sure it is in top condition. There are many reasons to maintain your car; some important ones have been listed below.

Improves safety
One aspect of car maintenance is to make sure all the critical components of the vehicle are running optimally. This is directly related to safety since every day people die in accidents caused by malfunctioning components like faulty brake system, worn out drive belts, poor tire treads, and so on. Basic car maintenance helps improve safety for the passenger as well as the pedestrian.

Reduces repair costs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it costs about $8,000 to own and use a car. Of this, $3,800 can be considered the average cost of buying a vehicle while the remaining expenses are mainly on motor oil, gasoline, and other vehicle-related costs. If you do not do basic car maintenance, the engine can get damaged, which can increase that cost by several thousands of dollars in repairs. This amounts to a big chunk of the cost of the vehicle, which can be avoided.

Improves performance and reliability
If all the parts of the car are in good working condition, the car will perform as we expect it to, with a great measure of reliability. This is important especially in tricky situations where you may have to make split-second decisions.

Gives a better resale value
A car that is well-maintained car will obviously command a much higher value than a car that has been neglected. It shows to the buyer that you have taken good care of it — this indicates reliability and optimum performance, which in turn strengthens your car’s value during negotiations.

Reduces dangerous emission from an environment perspective
Making sure of certain things such as the engine oil should not be burnt, and there should be no leaks from various pipes that run across your vehicle. Although fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, maintaining your car properly at least does not make it worse than it could be.

Minimizes roadside breakdowns
It is not a pleasant feeling to have your car break down in a desolate area while on a road trip. It is also quite inconvenient to get roadside assistance to jump start the car, deliver a car battery or even getting a towing service. Basic car maintenance can reduce the frequency of such occurrences while also reducing the cost needed to avail such services.

There are several other reasons as to why you should get your car maintained periodically. So, it is best to get acquainted with the owner’s manual and become aware of the right way to maintain your car. It is going to save a lot of inconvenience and money over time.