Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
Will your car leave you stranded? Only if you ignore the 7 pillars of proper car maintenance.
We know that car maintenance is probably not your favourite dinner conversation topic (unless you are a mechanic). But the truth is that ignoring a strange noise or delaying an oil change is the fastest route to a mechanical (and financial nightmare).
Keeping your vehicle in good condition guarantees not only your safety, but also efficient performance and a longer engine lifespan. Want to avoid unpleasant surprises at the garage? Let’s look at the key pillars.
The pillars of car maintenance: what you can’t ignore.
Owning a car involves much more than simply refuelling and driving. Understanding the basic aspects of car maintenance is essential for any driver, since regular servicing helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduces repair costs in the long run.
Some components require constant attention to ensure your vehicle doesn’t leave you stranded or decide to "take a holiday” at the worst moment.
1. Oil and filters.
Air, oil and fuel. If filters become clogged, the car consumes more fuel and performs worse. Oil in particular must always be at the correct level and clean to lubricate the engine’s internal parts and prevent premature wear. Over time it loses its properties and accumulates impurities, so it must be replaced regularly.
Don’t forget to also check the coolant (to prevent the engine from overheating), brake fluid and windshield washer fluid.
Average maintenance interval: Between 10,000 km and 15,000 km or once per year.
Average cost: Between €80 and €200, depending on the vehicle and oil type. In some cases this service also includes replacing the air filter and cabin filter.
Average cost: Between €80 and €200, depending on the vehicle and oil type. In some cases this service also includes replacing the air filter and cabin filter.
2. Tires.
Tires are the only point of contact between the car and the road, which means they have a direct impact on safety. You should regularly check the tire pressure and the overall condition, paying attention to tread wear, alignment and balance.
Average maintenance interval: Monthly pressure checks and frequent visual inspection.
Average cost of new tires: Between €250 and €600 for a full set, depending on the brand and size.
3. Brakes.
If you hear noise while braking, feel vibrations in the pedal or notice an increase in braking distance, the brake pads or discs may need replacement.
Average costs: Brake pads (€80 to €200) and brake discs (€150 to €400).
4. Suspension and alignment.
Does your car bounce like a kangaroo over speed bumps or pull to one side? It may be time to align the steering. Worn shock absorbers can cause:
- Reduced stability in corners.
- Increased braking distance.
- Irregular tire wear.
Average maintenance interval: Check every 20,000 km.
Average cost (shock absorbers): Between €300 and €700.
5. Battery.
A weak battery can leave you stranded on a cold morning or when you are in a hurry. Batteries usually last between 3 and 5 years, but extreme temperatures or long periods without use can reduce their lifespan.
Average replacement cost: Between €90 and €250.
6. Lights and electrical system.
Burnt-out lights are an invitation for a fine and a serious visibility problem. Regularly checking headlights, high beams, indicators and brake lights helps avoid surprises on the road or failing your vehicle inspection.
Average maintenance interval: Check every 2 months.
Average cost: Between €5 and €30 depending on the bulb.
7. Mandatory inspections and servicing
In Portugal, besides regular car maintenance, vehicles must undergo the Mandatory Periodic Inspection (IPO). This inspection evaluates the overall condition of the vehicle, including:
- Braking system.
- Tires and suspension.
- Pollutant emissions.
- Steering and lighting.
- Vehicle structure and chassis.
If the car does not meet the required standards, it may fail the inspection. You can learn more about how to prepare your vehicle in our guide about car inspection
Inspection frequency depends on vehicle age:
- First inspection at 4 years.
- Then every 2 years until the car is 8 years old.
- After 8 years the inspection becomes annual.
Average inspection cost (passenger cars): Between €35 and €40.
Prevention tips: be the first to detect problems.
You don’t need to be a mechanic to perform preventive car maintenance. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than repair. Follow these steps:
- Check fluid levels: open the hood and check engine oil and coolant levels at least once a month.
- Listen to your car: unusual noises when braking, going over bumps or starting the engine are warning signs. Don’t ignore them.
- Check tire pressure: maintaining correct pressure (including the spare tire) improves grip and fuel efficiency.
- Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights: if your dashboard looks like a Christmas tree, it’s time to act. See here what dashboard warning lights mean.
- Quick visual check: a quick walk around the car can reveal fluid leaks or burnt-out lights and save your day.
Average costs: how much does it cost to maintain your own car?
Owning a car means dealing with variable costs that can impact your monthly budget. On average, drivers spend between €400 and €1000 per year on car maintenance.
While a basic service may start at €100, interventions involving timing belts, clutches or braking systems can easily exceed €500 or €800. Adding inspection costs and unexpected repairs, the yearly maintenance bill can become an unpleasant surprise.
With Xtracars, maintenance is already included.
If you’ve read all of this and can only think about the time spent in garages and the money you spend on servicing, we have the perfect solution for you.
By choosing a monthly car rental or subscription model with Xtracars, you eliminate all these concerns from both your schedule and your wallet. Car maintenance stops being your responsibility:
- Nothing is missing: scheduled services, replacement of wear parts and even corrective maintenance are included in your fixed monthly fee.
- Total predictability: forget unexpected garage bills. The monthly or daily price is transparent and without surprises.
- Happy wallet: without having to deal with the individual cost of each repair, your driving experience becomes far more predictable and economical. And you can simply enjoy driving!
Driving without worries is possible.
Even when your car maintenance is up to date, the road likes to play tricks. For an extra level of peace of mind, you can add extras to your Xtracars reservation such as TOP Travel Assistance, ensuring that being stranded on the roadside is not in your plans.
Another option is Glass and Wheel Protection, ideal for those moments when a stone or a curb decides to attack your windshield or tire. Finally, you can add Super Rental Protection, which reduces your financial responsibility to the minimum in case of damage to the vehicle.
Want to drive a car that is always in perfect condition without worrying about garages? Explore our fleet and make car maintenance worries a thing of the past!
