New Car? How to Plan for Routine Maintenance Costs
Purchasing your first new car is an exciting milestone, symbolizing freedom, convenience, and luxury. While you’re likely thrilled about hitting the open road, it’s important to remember that your new vehicle comes with ongoing responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is making sure you regularly maintain your car to keep it in optimal running condition so you can avoid problems down the line. Unfortunately, many new car owners overlook or underestimate these expenses, which can lead to budgetary surprises.
If you’ve recently purchased your vehicle from Mike White Ford, our team is here to help. Utilizing your Ford warranty and our dealership’s service department, you can stay on top of maintenance while ensuring you don’t bust your budget. Here’s a handy list to help you plan well.
1. Understand Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Every Ford vehicle comes with a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule; you can find it in the owner’s manual or access it online. This schedule details when to perform essential services such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid replacements. Following this schedule ensures your car runs efficiently and keeps your warranty intact.
At Mike White Ford, our service department has certified technicians trained specifically for Ford vehicles. We use genuine Ford parts and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain your car to the highest standard. Scheduling your maintenance with us ensures that your vehicle stays in compliance with its warranty. We also stand by our work, so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.
2. Budget for Regular Expenses
The cost of routine maintenance services will vary depending on the type of vehicle you own and the service involved. Ford vehicles, like the reliable F-150 or the fuel-efficient Escape, are designed with cost-effective maintenance in mind. To make budgeting easier, consider setting aside a portion of your monthly budget for upkeep.
Financial experts suggest allocating 1% to 2% of your car’s purchase price annually for maintenance. For example, if your car costs $30,000, you should plan to spend $300 to $600 per year. Ford offers prepaid maintenance plans that lock in today’s rates for future services—a smart way to manage costs.
As your car ages, the amount you need to allocate for car maintenance will increase; unfortunately, there is no getting around the fact that cars are mechanical machines, and parts wear out. However, the good news is that the better you take care of your car, the less likely you are to face significant car repair costs down the line.
3. Leverage Your Ford Warranty and Service Packages
New Ford vehicles come with comprehensive warranties that cover different parts of the car for a specified period or mileage. For instance, Ford’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers the first three years or 36,000 miles, and the Powertrain Warranty extends coverage up to five years or 60,000 miles.
Mike White Ford’s service department can help you navigate your warranty coverage to determine if any repairs are covered. Using our Ford-certified mechanics and Ford replacement parts, you can also be assured that any work performed on your car at our facility doesn’t void your warranty. Additionally, we offer competitive service packages at discounted rates, providing cost savings over time.
4. Don’t Neglect Small Maintenance Tasks
While major services like timing belt replacements or brake system repairs command attention, smaller tasks often slip through the cracks. Neglecting these minor maintenance activities can lead to bigger problems and higher repair costs.
Our service team at Mike White Ford can assist with routine checks such as air filter replacements, tire pressure monitoring, and battery inspections. These minor investments ensure your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and reliable for years. Many basic maintenance checks and services are bundled with our other service offerings, such as Ford’s signature The Works® oil change service, which includes checking your tires, brakes, and battery as well as topping off your fluids.
5. Trust the Mike White Ford Service Department
The best way to protect your investment is to work with a trustworthy service provider. The service department at Mike White Ford is staffed with ASE-certified technicians who understand the unique needs of your Ford vehicle. By choosing our dealership, you access expert care, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and genuine Ford parts — all of which contribute to a longer-lasting vehicle.
Our online scheduling page makes it easy to book your next maintenance appointment on your schedule. If you choose to call, our friendly staff will answer your questions or provide personalized recommendations regarding your car’s needs. We can even schedule on-site service at your home or place of business with our mobile service unit. Further, if you use the FordPass App, you can earn points with each service, which can lead to significant discounts for future products or services.
6. Plan for Unscheduled Repairs
Even with the best planning, unexpected repairs are sometimes inevitable. Components like batteries, alternators, or sensors can fail prematurely due to driving conditions or other causes. At Mike White Ford, we’re committed to minimizing the inconvenience of unexpected repairs. Our service department offers transparent pricing and fast turnaround times to get you back on the road.
Maintain an emergency fund specifically for car-related expenses to cushion the financial impact of unforeseen issues. Alternatively, explore Ford’s extended warranty options for additional coverage and peace of mind.
Owning a new vehicle is a rewarding experience. Still, it comes with responsibilities that require careful financial planning if you want to fully benefit from your car ownership. By understanding your maintenance schedule, leveraging your warranty, staying on top of small tasks, and engaging the aid of Mike White Ford’s service department, you can keep your car running smoothly and your expenses manageable.
Take a proactive approach to routine maintenance and ensure that every mile you drive is backed by expert care. If your car is due for a regular maintenance task, schedule your next service with Mike White Ford today at one of our facilities in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint, Idaho, and let us help you protect your investment for years to come.