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Small mistakes in car maintenance can develop into damage that requires significant repair costs. From skipping regular servicing and ignoring warning signs to using unsuitable spare parts, these habits can affect your vehicle's performance and lifespan. Learn about common mistakes car owners make, how to avoid them, and why car insurance can be an important part of managing the financial risks associated with unexpected repair costs.
Owning a car involves more than simply meeting your mobility needs. Ownership costs also include routine maintenance, repairs, fuel, taxes, insurance, and various unexpected expenses.
These costs make vehicle maintenance something that should be included in your financial planning from the beginning. Consumer Reports, in its 2025 analysis, showed that car maintenance and repair costs can continue to increase as a vehicle gets older, with significant differences in costs between brands. The analysis used data from vehicle owner surveys regarding maintenance and repair expenses incurred during the previous 12 months.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) and automotive research institutions estimate that car owners in Indonesia need to allocate around Rp300,000 to Rp800,000 per month for routine maintenance and repairs. These costs include engine oil changes, regular servicing, replacement of worn components such as tires and brake pads, as well as preparation for unexpected repairs.
However, actual costs can vary depending on the type of vehicle, such as a city car, SUV, or electric vehicle, the age of the car, mileage, and the vehicle's overall condition. Beyond these factors, everyday driving and maintenance habits also play an important role. Without realizing it, there are 5 common mistakes that car owners often make which can cause repair costs to increase significantly.
One of the most common mistakes is postponing servicing because the car still feels normal when driven.
In reality, several vehicle components experience wear gradually. Problems that are not yet visible or noticeable can develop if the vehicle is not inspected regularly. Routine servicing helps ensure that important components remain monitored and that potential problems can be identified early.
Some components that usually need to be checked include:
Engine Oil
Engine oil lubricates the engine and helps reduce friction between engine components. Over time, oil quality can decline, so it needs to be replaced according to the recommended schedule.
Filters
Filters help remove dirt and particles that can interfere with engine performance and other vehicle systems. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce vehicle efficiency.
Braking System
Brakes are one of the most important safety components. The condition of the brake pads, discs, and other supporting components should be checked regularly to ensure optimal braking performance.
Tires
Worn tires, incorrect tire pressure, or damaged tires can affect driving comfort and safety. Inspections should also include checking the tread condition and tire wear.
Battery
The battery supplies power to start the engine and operate various electrical systems in the vehicle. Its condition should be monitored to help prevent starting problems.
Cooling System
The cooling system helps keep the engine temperature within a normal range. The condition of the coolant, radiator, and related components should be checked to help prevent the engine from overheating.
Suspension and Steering Components
Components such as the suspension, shock absorbers, and steering parts play a role in maintaining vehicle stability and comfort. Wear in these components can affect handling and should be checked regularly.
The service schedule should follow the manufacturer's recommendations while also considering the vehicle's age and usage conditions. A regular maintenance guide can help you identify which components need to be inspected and what should be checked during each stage of maintenance. The sooner a problem is detected, the greater the chance that it can be addressed before developing into a more complex issue.
Cars usually provide signs when a component starts experiencing problems. Unfortunately, these signs are often considered minor as long as the vehicle can still be used normally.
However, small changes in sound, vibration, brake response, or vehicle stability can indicate that a component needs to be inspected. Recognizing these signs early can help car owners take action before the problem becomes more serious.
Some signs that should not be ignored include:
Sign |
What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
Unusual Engine Sounds |
Sounds such as knocking, humming, or squeaking may indicate that engine components or related systems need to be inspected. |
Vibration While Driving |
Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or car body may be related to the condition of the tires, wheels, wheel balancing, or suspension components. |
Brakes Feel Different |
A brake pedal that feels deeper, harder, vibrates, or requires a longer braking distance may indicate that the braking system needs to be inspected. |
Warning Light Comes On |
Dashboard warning lights may indicate that a vehicle system needs further inspection. Do not ignore them simply because the car can still run normally. |
Car Feels Unstable |
A vehicle that pulls to one side, is difficult to control, or feels less stable may be related to the tires, wheel alignment, wheel balancing, or suspension. |
Engine Feels Less Responsive |
Changes in acceleration or engine response may indicate that a vehicle component needs to be inspected. |
Unusual Smell |
A burning smell, fuel smell, or another unusual odor should not be ignored and needs to be inspected to identify its source. |
Fluid Leaking Under the Car |
Unusual drops or puddles of fluid may indicate a leak in one of the vehicle's systems and should be inspected further. |
Disclaimer: The signs above are only general examples and cannot be used as a diagnosis of vehicle damage. Further inspection by a technician is required to determine the cause and appropriate repair action.
By understanding these early warning signs, car owners can take action and arrange the necessary inspections sooner, before potential damage develops into a more serious problem.
For example, if the car starts vibrating while driving or feels unstable, wheel alignment and wheel balancing inspections may be considered depending on the vehicle's condition. These two services have different functions. Wheel alignment relates to adjusting the alignment of the wheels, while wheel balancing helps ensure that the weight distribution of the wheels remains balanced.
Understanding when wheel alignment or wheel balancing may be needed can help vehicle owners determine the appropriate inspection and maintain driving comfort and stability.
Choosing cheaper spare parts may help reduce expenses in the short term. However, price should not be the only consideration. The compatibility of the spare part with the vehicle's specifications, component quality, and manufacturer's reputation should also be considered to prevent the replacement from causing new problems.
Spare parts that do not match the vehicle's specifications can potentially affect the performance of other components. Improper installation can also prevent a component from functioning as intended. Therefore, before replacing a component, car owners can consider the following:
Factor to Consider |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Component Specifications |
Ensures that the component has specifications suitable for the vehicle's requirements. |
Vehicle Type and Model |
Not all spare parts can be used for every vehicle type or model. |
Manufacturer Quality and Reputation |
Helps you consider the quality and consistency of the components being used. |
Component Warranty |
Provides information about the protection available from the manufacturer or seller. |
Manufacturer Recommendations |
Serves as one of the references for determining components that are suitable for the vehicle. |
Installation Quality |
Even suitable components need to be installed correctly by a competent technician. |
Condition of Other Components |
Replacing one component should also take into account the condition of other related components. |
Disclaimer: The availability, price, specifications, quality, warranty, and recommendations for spare parts may vary depending on the brand, model, vehicle year, and vehicle condition. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations or consult a competent technician before replacing components.
By choosing suitable spare parts and ensuring that they are installed correctly, you can help maintain vehicle performance while reducing the risk of further problems. Saving money does not always mean choosing the cheapest component. It means choosing a component that meets the vehicle's needs and can be used properly.
The phrase, "Ah, it can still be used!" is often a reason car owners postpone inspections or repairs when a minor problem appears. However, the fact that a vehicle can still be driven does not mean that all of its components are in optimal condition.
Damage or wear in one component can develop and potentially affect other components, especially when the problem involves interconnected systems. If left untreated for too long, an issue that initially seems simple may require more complex inspection and repairs.
Some signs that should not be ignored include unusual sounds, vibrations while driving, changes in brake response, illuminated warning lights, fluid leaks, or decreased vehicle performance. Even when the symptoms appear minor, early inspection can help identify the cause before the condition develops further.
For example, recurring sounds or vibrations may indicate that a component needs to be inspected. The same applies to components that are beginning to wear. Waiting until their condition becomes worse can increase the risk of damage to other components and result in higher repair costs.
Therefore, do not only consider the repair cost today. Also consider the potential costs and impact if the problem is left untreated for too long. Addressing problems early can help maintain the vehicle's condition, prevent damage from developing further, and keep maintenance costs more manageable.
Routine maintenance can help maintain the vehicle's condition and reduce the risk of damage caused by worn or poorly maintained components. However, not all risks can be prevented through maintenance alone. Accidents, theft, fire, and certain natural disasters can cause damage or losses that result in significant expenses.
These expenses can also arise outside your routine maintenance budget, potentially disrupting your financial plans if you have to cover the entire cost yourself.
This is where car insurance can become part of your vehicle protection planning. Insurance helps manage the financial impact of certain risks according to the type of policy, benefits, coverage limits, and applicable terms and conditions.
In general, several types of protection can be considered:
SRCC
Type of Protection |
Coverage Overview |
|---|---|
All Risk or Comprehensive |
Provides protection against various types of damage, from minor to major damage, as well as vehicle loss due to theft, subject to the terms of the policy. |
TLO or Total Loss Only |
Provides protection against total loss or damage that reaches a certain level according to the terms of the policy. Minor damage is generally not covered under TLO. |
Flood and Natural Disaster Extension |
May provide protection against risks such as flooding and certain natural disasters when the relevant coverage extension is included in the policy. |
SRCC |
Provides extended protection against risks such as riots, civil commotion, strikes, and other related risks according to the terms of the policy. |
Third Party Legal Liability |
May help provide protection against financial obligations resulting from losses caused to third parties, subject to the coverage limit and policy terms. |
Emergency Assistance |
May provide assistance when the vehicle experiences certain emergency conditions, such as the need for evacuation or towing services, according to the available benefits. |
Disclaimer: Coverage may vary depending on the type of product, policy, coverage extensions, coverage limits, exclusions, and terms and conditions of each insurance company. Make sure to read and understand the policy before purchasing protection.
By understanding the differences between these types of protection, car owners can consider the type of insurance that better suits the vehicle's age, value, frequency of use, residential location, and potential risks. For example, car owners who want broader protection may consider a Comprehensive policy, while TLO may be an option for those who prioritize protection against major losses.
Oona provides Car Insurance options with All Risk and TLO protection, as well as additional coverage options for certain risks. On Oona's product page, available protection includes compensation for total and partial losses resulting from risks such as collisions, theft, and fire, as well as additional protection for risks such as flooding and riots, subject to the terms of the policy.
In addition to considering the type of protection, it is also important to understand what is and is not covered before choosing a policy. Oona explains that protection against flooding, natural disasters, SRCC, and Third Party Liability may require specific coverage extensions and may not automatically be included in basic protection.
