Ways to Save Money on Your Car
If you’re an old timer, you’ve undoubtedly figured out that car maintenance is different than it used to be. And if you’re a youngster, considering today’s computer technology, maybe you’ve never been elbow-deep in engine grease.
Read on for tips that will save you money on maintaining your car.
Auto Club—to Join or Not to Join?
Before you invest in a yearly auto club membership, check first with your dealer. Whether you buy a new or a used car, many places provide a free one-year roadside assistance policy. In that case, you can save $50-$120 per year by forgoing a separate membership. If you buy an extended car warranty from Warranty Direct, you’ll get 24/7 roadside assistance coverage as part of the plan.
Keeping it Clean
For about ten bucks, you can drive you car through an automatic carwash, preferably touchless. For less than this, you can put on some shorts or a bathing suit, slather yourself with sunscreen, and wash it down yourself.
Use soft chamois cloths and cleaning products made for automobile finishes. Improper chemicals and heavy hand pressure while washing can scratch the finish. Teach one of your teenagers to do this as part of the weekly chore list. Follow directions carefully to preserve your car’s finish. Apply wax about four times a year. Protecting the finish will preserve the car’s resale value.
Premium versus Regular
Most cars are equipped to run on low-octane fuel. The only time you need to splurge on the premium is if you see a sticker shouting at you from the car’s fuel door, or if using the lower stuff makes your engine knock. Even then, you might just need a tune-up. Your yearly savings are unknown considering the unpredictable price of gasoline these days, but they will add up.
Service with a Smile
Don’t run to the dealership for basic servicing. Your local independent service repair shop is fine. Look for ASE-certified mechanics, because they have passed performance tests in order to earn this certification.
Patronizing independent shops will not void your warranty. Ask neighbors or your local business owners who they use, and when you go there mention who recommended you. Any businessman is likely to perform more carefully if he is not only establishing a relationship with a new customer, but also preserving one with an old customer. These places can do lube-oil-filter jobs, tune-ups, tire rotation, brakes, and many other small repairs.
Take larger jobs that fall under warranty coverage to the dealership. If a dealership tells you that a repair won’t be covered under the warranty, ask to see where that’s written.
What Jobs Can You Do?
There are many things you can do on your own. You can change your windshield wiper blades. You can change your air filter. For less than twenty-five bucks, let the independent shop change the messy oil—they’ll also top off your other fluids.
Check out Edmunds.com or other car maintenance websites for how-to advice. Learn how to change a tire, and make certain your spare is ready for use. Check your tire pressure monthly for best fuel economy and protecting your tires.
In summary…
Read your car manual, see what schedule of maintenance they recommend at the various ages of your car, and talk with other people about it. You’ll learn to be more savvy about how your car runs and how to spend less on upkeep. And that’s a good thing!
Rate this article
(1 votes)
Loading ...
Filed under: Vehicle Maintenance
I am reminded by this entry of that programming maxim saying that there’s no code faster than no code. Don’t buy a personal car at all, and stick with eco-friendly, fuel-shared commuting system, that way, you don’t have to waste time and money in case your car breaks down or is in need of mandatory repair. Just a thought, though. This change is something the world needs.