Owning a car can be expensive. You have to pay a substantial amount to buy one, and the costs don’t end there.
Owning a car means you also have to pay for auto insurance every month and keep the gas tank full, as well as fork out for expensive repairs, new tires, oil, and preventative maintenance. It all adds up.
Thankfully, you don’t have to kiss your savings goodbye just because you own a car.
Here are six simple ways you can save on your car’s upkeep – and still be able to put some money away for a rainy day.
1. Address Problems While Your Car is Under Warranty
The best way to maintain your car and save money is to determine if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers it.
However, if your manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you should consider purchasing an extended warranty. But is carshield worth it? Or, for that matter, is any extended car warranty worth it?
Well, that depends. If you are driving an older car and plan to keep it for several more years, purchasing an extended warranty will cover unexpected repairs to your vehicle when your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
If you have enough cash saved away for car emergencies and you don’t mind taking a bit of a risk, then you may not need an extended warranty.
2. Read the Owner’s Manual
You shouldn’t underestimate the power of the booklet that’s sitting in your glove compartment – it can save you a great deal of money on car maintenance.
The information in your owner’s manual will give you all the information you need regarding your vehicle’s proper use and maintenance. Following the owner’s manual guidelines can increase your car’s lifespan and reduce the number of repairs it needs.
Minor repairs should also be detailed in your owner’s manual, which will make it easy for you to do them yourself.
Repairs typically cost more than maintenance. By following the recommendations in your owner’s manual by checking and changing your oil, checking your tire pressure, and only using the fuel specified by the manufacturer, you can prevent costly repairs.
3. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
The warning lights in your vehicle have been placed there by the manufacturer to alert you to serious problems like low oil, brake fluid, and fuel levels – as well as engine malfunctions.
If you ever see any of these warning lights appear, you should take them seriously. Failing to address problems before they escalate can result in enormous repair bills and even bigger problems. As well as potentially causing serious damage to your car, depending on the severity of the warning and the problem it isn’t uncommon for these to be the cause of a car crash, requiring you to need an accident attorney. It is your responsibility as a car owner to keep your car in safe working order.
4. Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
Although most car manufacturers will try to convince you that it’s always best to have your car’s service and repair done by a certified mechanic, this is not always the cheapest option (unless your vehicle is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty).
Having your car repaired at a dealership will almost always cost more than having repairs done by a reliable, independent mechanic.
You can find a good mechanic in your area by asking your co-workers, friends, and family for referrals or by doing an online search –be sure to check the online reviews.
5. Research Prices
The caveat to finding an independent mechanic is that an untrustworthy one may overcharge you if you don’t know much about car repair and maintenance – so do some research before accepting any quotes.
Shop around and ask a few different mechanics what they would charge for a specific repair and get a price point for reference – this will help ensure that you’re paying a fair price, and it may also help you negotiate a lower cost.
