Car maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can add up quickly and impact your budget. It’s necessary, though, to avoid more costly breakdowns, towing, and bigger repairs. Your warranty may even require that you maintain the vehicle to keep it available to you.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average oil change costs $35 to $75 across the US for just the oil and filter or up to $125 if you are using synthetic oil. Considering those high costs, there could be a few simple strategies to help you lower your overall maintenance costs (including coupons for car service appointments) that are well worth looking for from your favorite locations.

Strategies for Finding Car Maintenance Discounts and Coupons

You need car maintenance, but you don’t have to pay full price for it. Consider these strategies to get more affordable access to the services you need.

Your Favorite Auto Repair Shop

If you already have a local shop you love to use, there are several ways to potentially save money:

• Visit their website before setting up an appointment. Look for promotional offers or savings coupons. Many locations offer quarterly or monthly discounts.
• Get on the mailing list. While some smaller shops may still use postal mail, most offer email newsletters, which could include savings options for you. Sign up for them to get routine savings offers.
• Ask for the deal. Even if they are not advertising any specials, they may still offer you a deal if you ask.

It’s a good idea to work with the same repair technicians because they will get to know your vehicle. However, it’s never mandatory to do so.

Check Coupon Sites

Many coupon sites will offer discounts and promo codes to help you lower your overall costs. Sites like Groupon will have an assortment of offers from area dealerships and auto service locations that can offer excellent savings opportunities for you. Just look for the local offers. Consider a few options:

• Groupon: Here, you’ll find a variety of companies offering service discounts. There’s no cost to use the service, but the savings could include a percentage off or other types of offers.
• Coupons.com: While this location tends to have fewer service locations, they do often offer discounts for websites such as AutoZone, Auto Barn, and CarParts.com, if you’re looking to buy the components to do it yourself.

Join AAA

If you’re a member of AAA, you could qualify for discounts and savings options. That includes a full list of monthly car care deals listed on their website. These change each month but could include brake savings, discounts on tires, and even free oil changes.

AAA offers a variety of discounts and resources to members. Make sure you vet the locations in your area to ensure that membership is worth your investment.

Consider Savings Offers from Car Maintenance Packages

Many dealerships offer a maintenance package or discount when buying your vehicle from them. These may give you all sorts of benefits. These benefits may include free oil changes and new wiper blades when you come in.

Keep in mind that this membership has a fee. If you do sign up, be sure to use all of its features and specs to maximize its value. Each dealership will offer discounts ranging from free services to reduced pricing for members.

Watch for Seasonal Discounts

Note that many auto service shops will roll out discounts at various times of the year, hoping to bring you back into their shop throughout the year. For example, during the winter months, you’ll likely see discounts related to oil changes and routine maintenance on heating systems. During the spring months, you’ll see discounts meant to encourage you to get your car ready for the summertime travel you’re doing.

Signing up for emails and notifications from dealerships and other service centers in your area is the best way to find these discount offers. Or, you can always sign up and ask. Then, time your service needs around these times of the year.

• Oil changes: These types of discounts are available most times of the year.
• Air conditioning checkups: Often recommended annually, they may be discounted in the spring months as we approach warmer weather.
• Tires: You’ll find tire discounts during the fall months to prep the vehicle for the winter.

Any time of the year can be great for finding discounts on brakes, transmission flushes, and tune-ups. Make sure the services you get are aligned with the car manufacturer’s expectations. That’s going to help protect your warranty.

Finding ways to save on car maintenance often means doing some research and asking questions to local dealerships. Remember, there’s no reason to be loyal to just one provider, and seeking out the best price for services doesn’t have to be challenging.