The worst thing about cars is that they break down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s a fender bender on the way to work, a falling tree during a windstorm, or just the wear and tear of years on the road, you and your car will end up in the shop at some point. Knowing how to maintain your car, when to head to a mechanic, and what to expect when you get there are essential skills for any car owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insurance may cover some repair and maintenance costs, particularly if your car is damaged by an act of God<\/span> or if you\u2019re in a no-fault accident<\/span>, but others get folded into the total cost of car ownership. The average cost of car maintenance for new vehicles is about $100 a month\u2014but that cost varies based on a number of factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your car insurance policy may cover certain types of repairs depending on the type of coverage you carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of these coverages, you can expect to be on the hook for the cost of maintaining your vehicle. In particular, repairs required by expected wear and tear or by an accident where you were at fault won\u2019t typically be eligible for insurance coverage\u2014so be prepared to shell out the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, paying for the maintenance you need is a good idea, since it keeps you and other drivers safe and in compliance with the law. Failing to keep up with your car\u2019s required maintenance could cause you to fail your mandated inspection<\/span>, or even cause a serious accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, no car lives forever. If the cost to repair or maintain your car is greater than the car\u2019s total value<\/span>, it may be better to say goodbye to your old ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to car ownership, Jerry<\/a> is the maintenance genius you need in your pocket. From finding you the insurance coverage<\/a> you need to pay for certain major repairs to showing you the ins and outs of basic routine maintenance, Jerry has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jerry won\u2019t just connect you to expert advice\u2014we\u2019ll help you become your own expert. You can manage your car\u2019s maintenance, customize your insurance coverage, and even refinance your auto loan<\/a>, all with the help of the world\u2019s only super app for car owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the most essential routine car maintenance tasks are oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and battery checks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n The old advice was to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but these days it\u2019s only necessary every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for most cars. Check your owner\u2019s manual for the exact interval recommended by the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your car has a lot of ways of telling you it needs help. The check engine light and other dashboard service indicators are one way to know when it\u2019s time for a visit to the mechanic, but you should also get any unusual vibrations, noises, or smells checked out. Smoke, mysterious fluid underneath your car, and other visible changes are also good indicators that maintenance is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Skipping routine maintenance can have a few effects. In the short term, it may not do anything\u2014particularly for non-urgent problems. In the long run, however, foregoing necessary services can lead to severe damage to your car\u2019s components, up to and including total engine failure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Every car comes with its own manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, but the basics are the same for most vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help you save money on repairs and maintenance, Jerry\u2019s<\/a> created a master schedule for basic car maintenance. We\u2019ll break down the tasks you should be doing once or month (or every time you fill up the tank), along with bigger checks and services to schedule at or before the 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 mile marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be getting under the hood<\/span> regularly to check certain crucial components. Perform these checks every two to four weeks and before any major road trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your car runs on synthetic oil, like most modern vehicles, you can likely go between 5,000 and 7,000 miles before an oil change. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Exactly when you\u2019ll need those services depends on your vehicle, how you use it, and the environmental conditions in your area\u2014so checking regularly can help you anticipate the best time to head to the shop!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re taking care of your car, Jerry<\/a> can perform regular maintenance on your insurance policy. When you shop for car insurance<\/a> with Jerry, the app will check periodically for lower rates so that you always know when a better deal pops up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your car needs some services less frequently than a monthly basis, but more frequently than the 30-60-90 schedule most manufacturers recommend. Here\u2019s what you should be doing for your car every three to six months to keep it in peak condition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts also recommend shopping for car insurance every six months<\/span>\u2014but most people think of their insurance policy as something that\u2019s set in stone. That couldn\u2019t be further from the truth: in fact, reshopping for insurance regularly can help you save money and tailor your coverage to your car\u2019s changing needs. Download the Jerry<\/a> app for instant expert help and a 45-second rate comparison process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most cars require some standard maintenance around the 30,000 mile mark. Here\u2019s what you should expect to do for your car at that milestone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some engine components, like brake pads<\/span>, coolant, and spark plugs, may need to be replaced at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re feeling confident in your mechanical skills, you can do a lot of this maintenance on your own. But if you\u2019re taking your car to a mechanic, use the time while you wait to shop for a new insurance policy with Jerry<\/a>. Start to finish, the comparison process takes under 45 seconds\u2014and you could walk out of the garage with a new low rate on your insurance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most vehicles, this is the stage when major mechanical components begin to wear out. Be prepared to put some money into your car around the 50,000 to 70,000 mile mark. You\u2019ll probably need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As your car begins to age, maintenance and repair costs will start to climb. In addition, most new car warranties<\/span> expire around three years or 36,000 miles\u2014making this an ideal time to look into mechanical breakdown insurance<\/span> to help you cover maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why the car owner\u2019s super app Jerry<\/a> exists\u2014to save drivers money on car-related expenses at the moment they need it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the app, enter your information, and you could have a new low rate on your insurance in minutes. On average, Jerry users save $887 on car insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proper maintenance can keep your car functioning effectively well past 90,000 miles, but it\u2019s important to continue regular checks and services. Here\u2019s what to schedule at or before the 90,000 mile mark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you financed your car with a 72-month loan, you\u2019re due for an insurance refresh. Most lenders require drivers to carry full-coverage insurance to protect their investment, but once your loan term\u2019s up you\u2019re free to change your coverage<\/span> to meet your<\/em> needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jerry<\/a> can help with that\u2014in just 45 seconds, we can show you coverage options and rate offers drawn from 50+ top providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Car maintenance isn\u2019t just the responsible thing to do\u2014it could actually extend your car\u2019s life<\/span>! And though it may seem like an extra expense, performing regular checks and services can save you money in the long run by avoiding the serious damage<\/span>, accidents<\/span>, and related legal expenses<\/span> that can come from driving a car in poor condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set yourself up for success by investing in a decent set of car tools and other maintenance supplies<\/span>. To avoid the ambiguous warning of a check engine light<\/span>, you can purchase an OBD-II scanner to read engine trouble codes<\/span> that can tell you exactly what\u2019s going on inside your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what your maintenance schedule looks like, be sure to include regular insurance checks. Whether you\u2019re looking for cheap truck insurance<\/span>, a high-risk policy<\/span>, or a low-mileage discount<\/span>, Jerry<\/a> can help you find the unique coverage you need at the best rate available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jerry\u2019s committed to saving money for car owners\u2014and doing it with as little hassle as possible. We won\u2019t sell your information, we won\u2019t ask you to fill out unnecessary paperwork, and we\u2019ll never, ever call you (unless you ask us to!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Car maintenance and insurance: what you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The bottom line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Car maintenance 101 with Jerry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Regular maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Semi-yearly maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maintenance around 30,000 miles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maintenance around 60,000 miles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maintenance around 90,000 miles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why you shouldn\u2019t skip car maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n