As the New Year starts, a lot of people think about their own goals, like getting healthier or moving up in their job. One resolution that is often forgotten, though, is to take better care of our vehicles, which are some of the most important and valuable things we own.
Proper car maintenance not only keeps your ride running smoothly but can also save significant money over time.
You can make big changes to your car that will make it last longer and be worth more for just $100. Here are some good ways to spend your money and some bad ones you should stay away from.
Rethink the Traditional Oil Change Schedule
When to change the oil is one of the most popular and out-of-date car myths. It used to be thought that you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but new technologies in motor oils have made this standard useless.
Today’s synthetic oils, like Mobil 1 Extended Performance, can go up to 20,000 miles without needing to be changed, which is a lot longer than what was once suggested.
Even so, many quick-lube shops and gas stations still try to get you to change your oil more often, and they often do this by putting stickers on your windshield to remember you.
Why does this take place? These businesses make money by changing oil when it’s not needed. Millions of people still do these old-fashioned things, which wastes money and pollutes the environment with extra oil.
Before you spend $100 on oil changes that you don’t need, read your car’s owner’s instructions. You might learn that your car can safely go 7,500, 10,000, or even 15,000 miles before requiring an oil change.
High-quality synthetic oils may cost more at first (around $40 per quart), but they can save you hundreds of dollars over time by cutting down on how often you have to change the oil.
Synthetic oils are also better for your engine because they protect it better against wear and tear, especially in older or high-mileage cars.
Invest in a Quality Car Cover
If you park your car outside, the elements (bad weather, UV rays, and pollution) can damage both the outside and inside of it over time.
Rain, snow, hail, bird droppings, and even tree sap can damage paint and make it look bad. UV rays from the sun can hurt your car’s paint and cause vinyl and leather to crack or warp inside.
A good car cover that won’t get damaged by the weather is a simple but effective purchase that protects your car in every way.
A car cover does more than just protect the look of your car; it can also keep thieves away by making them more difficult to get to.
You can get good car covers for $50 to $100 at auto parts shops or on sites like Amazon. You can protect your car’s value and avoid expensive cosmetic repairs down the road by spending a small portion of your $100 on this measure.
DIY Car Wash Kit: Save Money and Protect Your Paint
Washing your car regularly does more than just keep it looking good; it’s also very important for keeping the paint in good shape and avoiding rust or other damage to the outside.
The surface of your car can be worn down by dirt, debris, and road salt, which can cause long-term damage that lowers its selling value.
While professional car washes cost between $10 and $50 per visit—and full detailing services can climb into the hundreds—investing in a DIY car wash kit is a budget-friendly alternative.
A normal car wash kit costs less than $50 and comes with soap, wax, microfiber towels, and a sponge.
If you have water and room, washing your car at home can save you a lot of money every year. Your car will cost you $720 a year to wash if you do it twice a month and pay an average of $30 each time.
By buying a car wash kit once, you can get the same benefits for a very small amount of money each time.
Additional Smart Investments Under $100
1. Windshield Wiper Replacement
Visibility is very important for safe driving, and if your windshield wipers are worn out, it could put you at risk in the rain or snow. Good wiper blades can make driving a lot more enjoyable when it’s raining or snowing. They cost about $20 to $40.
2. Tire Maintenance Tools
A portable air compressor and a tire pressure tester are great tools for keeping tire pressure at the right level, which saves gas and makes tires last longer. You can get both of them together for less than $50.
3. Cabin Air Filter
Changing your cabin air filter not only makes the air inside your car better, but it also makes your HVAC system work better. Most filters cost between $20 and $40, and it’s easy to do yourself.
4. Protective Floor Mats
Good floor mats keep the inside of your car clean and free of spills and wear. Options like all-weather mats are particularly effective and can be purchased for under $100.
What Not to Spend Money On
While investing in your car is essential, it’s equally important to avoid wasting money on unnecessary services or accessories. For instance:
- Unnecessary Add-Ons: Many service centers upsell services like fuel system cleaning or premium air filters that may not be immediately necessary.
- Cheap, Low-Quality Products: Opting for budget items like inferior motor oil or poorly made car covers may save money upfront but can lead to higher costs in the long run due to inadequate protection or frequent replacements.
The Long-Term Payoff
By making thoughtful investments in your car, you’re not only extending its life but also increasing its resale value.
Proper maintenance and care can avoid costly repairs, improve performance, and give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in top condition.
You might want to think of your car as more than just a way to get around in 2025. It’s a valuable asset that needs to be taken care of.
With just $100, you can do a lot to make sure it stays in good shape and works well for years to come.