Your car is probably the most expensive possession you own, second to your home. Unfortunately, the cost of your vehicle doesn’t stop once you get it home though. There are still lots you need to spend your money on and I’m going to tell you ten ways you can save on your car.
Top 10 Ways To Save On Your Car
Shop Around For Insurance
Insurance is a huge yearly expense associated with owning a car. One that you can’t, or shouldn’t, avoid with the number of road accidents. Check multiple companies to figure out who has the best policy at the most reasonable price. Read the fine print so you know what the policy covers and don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation if you don’t understand the content.
Bundling home and auto insurance may also result in big savings for you. Check to see if this will be the case with your insurance provider.
Know The Maintenance Schedule
Read your vehicle’s manual thoroughly to see what the manufacturer recommends in terms of maintenance. Regularly take your car for servicing and stick to the schedule. Preventative maintenance is one good way to avoid being slapped with a huge repair bill due to neglect.
Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
Ask family, friends or neighbours for a qualified, honest and reliable mechanic. A qualified and honest mechanic means that your car is in good hands and that you are not being overcharged for services or parts. You also need someone dependable so that you can get your vehicle back when the mechanic promises and not when they feel like.
Check Fluid Levels
Similarly to your body, your car needs fluids to work. Keep it running smoothly by checking the fluid levels regularly. Below is a list of fluids to keep an eye on:
- Oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Clutch fluid, if you own a manual vehicle
- Power steering fluid
- Battery electrolytes
- Windshield washer fluid
Many of these can be easily accessed beneath the hood.
Care Your Tyres
Proper tyre pressure can actually increase your gas mileage. Having the correct pressure also significantly reduces the chances of a tyre blowout which is not only costly but dangerous. You can usually find the recommended tyre pressure in the manual. Purchase a tyre gauge and check the pressure yourself monthly.
Rotate your vehicle’s tyres as this allows them to wear evenly. The front tyres often wear faster than the rear ones and to avoid having to replace them faster, just rotate them.
Purchase Parts Yourself
Need parts for repairs? Mechanic shops often sell parts at a high cost. Source them yourself online, at local shops or at a warehouse store. Be sure to check that the shop will allow you to bring in your own parts before you buy. If they agree, check that they warranty the service.
Oil Change
Unless you have an older car, change the oil when recommended by manufacturer. Older models use more oil and, as a result, you will need to change it more frequently.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter keeps dirt out of the engine and improves fuel economy. Replace the filter in your vehicle according to the recommended schedule in your manual.
Do It Yourself
Instead of paying for services, there are many things you can do yourself. Changing the windshield wipers, checking the oil and replenishing windshield wash fluid are some examples. If there is something you are unsure about, the next time you take your car to the mechanic, ask them to show you how to do it correctly.
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving like speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking waste gas. Also, keep in mind that easing to a stop instead of slamming on the brakes extends the life of your brake pads. Reckless driving may also lead to an accident with expensive repairs or insurance premium hikes so, slow down and save your pocket.
A car is a luxury item that affords you the convenience of easily moving from point A to B. It must be treated with care so there is no need to spend more than you have to.