Buying replacement auto parts can quickly become overwhelming. The number of brands and individual specifications available to your car’s make, model, year, and trim can quickly find you running around town between shops, calling multiple manufacturers, while obeying the top tips for driving in New York. Hang in there, the money you’ll save will be worth it.

Of course, the first tip to saving money on expensive auto parts and repairs starts with safe driving practices—lifelong skills you can learn in our online defensive driving course that teach you how to avoid collisions, or how to properly operate your vehicle so that if collisions do occur, you’re not the individual responsible for the accident.

But even avoiding the massive cost of accident repairs, car parts are expensive—and you want the best deal. According to AAA, it costs the average American $8,469 to maintain their automobile(s) (including fuel). So, doing your research helps, and learning what these parts do and where to find them will only save you more time and money in the future. So here are a few auto parts, repairs, and practices that will save you money.

Learn How to Change Oil

Changing your own oil and oil filter is one of the easiest ways to save money on routine maintenance. With plenty of documentation available in your vehicle’s manual, from your manufacturer, and online, rest assured you’ll have the support available to figure this one out. If you still trust the mechanic more than yourself or simply want to save the time, going to shops that allow you to bring your own oil can save you money as well!

Peripherals

Interior and exterior peripherals that aren’t involved in the driving mechanisms of the car are typically vastly more expensive from the auto manufacturer than from high quality, off-brand alternatives. Things like lights, side and rear-view mirrors, windshield wipers, and sun visors all can be purchased from third-party retailers for a fraction of the price you would spend buying the original part for the car—especially if your vehicle is an older or more exclusive model and those parts are harder to obtain or must be manufactured specifically for you.

Buy Used

Some are wary to buy used car parts. And this is a good mindset to have! One should always be wary of the parts being installed in your car—namely, if they will work properly. So be sure to buy from trusted retailers that certify the quality of their used parts, especially with a warranty. This practice can still get you high-quality, long-lasting parts with a good warranty for a fraction of the cost of new. Buying used is also the more environmentally-conscious choice!

Preventative Aesthetic Care

Keeping your car clean goes a long way in terms of resale value. But even if you’re not planning on selling your car after you’re done with it, cleanliness can still help prevent bugs, tree sap, dirt, and whatnot from adhering to your car and damaging the coat or finish. For the exterior, be sure to wash your car or get your car washed at least every couple of weeks, perhaps sooner if you’re going on a lot of dirty, high-octane adventures with it. The interior of your car should be treated the same; buy protective weather mats for the floor, especially if you live in an area with rain or snow, and frequently vacuum and wipe down the interior using the proper cleaner for plastic, cloth, and leather pieces.

Overall, the health and hygiene of your vehicle says a lot about you, and these good practices can help you save cash while ensuring that you have a reliable vehicle to take you wherever you need to go.