In general, maintenance work consists of cleaning, refueling, proper lubrication, repair, overhaul, adjustment of wheels and automobile parts. Proper maintenance is the guarantee of a long life for your vehicle. However, if you want to save on car maintenance, follow these helpful tips and find out how to get your car up and running at less cost.
Tip #1. Buy a newer car.
Sounds pretty vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without repairs. In fact, it mainly depends on your driving habits. Once you have a new car, you may forget the direction of your mechanic for a while, although regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car… well, look below.
Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.
Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and breakdowns. Try to do some research and find the car insurance that best suits your needs. Hiring car insurance with a low deductible payment will help you considerably reduce your technical maintenance expenses. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible… hm, keep reading.
Tip #3. Do it on your own.
In case you have a mechanical fault, try to fix it yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and find out the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service, keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the damaged ones with a high profit margin. Therefore, in some cases, buying spare parts yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce expenses by 4 times! Just compare prices and search for better deals online.
Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.
You can save money and extend the working capacity of your car by taking a few preventative measures. By changing your oil, charging your batteries on time, and giving your car a total service once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.
Tip #5. Use your car wisely.
You’ll be surprised how much you can save if you think about the ways you use your car. The engine should be stopped at red lights and in traffic jams.
Tip #6. Maintain your level of speed.
From my own experience, I can say that when I accelerate and stop quickly, it doesn’t do my brakes or fuel economy any good. One must stick to a certain level of speed. In that way, the lowest fuel rate can be achieved and prevent the brake pads from wearing out. Using the slowdown technique to make your car stop is better than applying the brake.
Tip #7. Check your tires.
Partially flat tires don’t help save money at all. First of all, if there is not enough air in the tires, they can wear out faster. Second, under-inflation increases the fuel rate by 4-6%, causing you to spend more fuel than usual. You can read the technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.
Tip #8. New spark plugs from time to time.
Statistics show that changing old spark plugs on time reduces fuel costs by 25-35%. Additionally, new spark plugs also help improve the performance and capability of the car.
Tip #9. Wash it in time.
At first glance it could be said that washing does not reduce maintenance costs at all. However, cleaning your car early will help prevent corrosion which is caused by a buildup of mud and dust that stays wet and encourages corrosive wear.
Tip #10. Read the manual.
When you know your car like the back of your hand, you definitely know what it needs, when the engine needs to be tuned, or what oil is best to use. It always helps to read your owner’s manual and look under the hood from time to time.