If you are a proud car owner, there are several things you should know if you want to save hundreds of dollars on maintenance. Start by reading the owner’s manual, which will let you in on information such as which oil your car uses, your wiper blades size, the levels of fluids, size of your tires, and so on. In addition to this, the owner’s manual will usually also provide you with a full car maintenance manual, and where to look for help or spare parts. Here are several things you can do to save money on car maintenance.
1. Keeping the check on schedule
Every car has its maintenance dates set up front, so it is advised to follow them, and check your car regularly, or the problems might accumulate. It is like going to the dentist and it should be done regularly, since it is a lot better – and often cheaper – to deal with the issue while it is still small and easily solvable. This affects your car’s lifetime and the more attention your pay to it, the longer your car will last. Remember to always do a full check, and it is advised to fix any additional issues that your car has at the time.
2. Regulate the level of fluids
This is a very important task, since they are literally used to “keep your car breathing”. Checking the fluids levels is easy (save for the difficulties in dealing with transmission oil levels on some models), everyone can do it, and it saves you a lot of money, thus keeping your car safe and prolonging its life. Every now and then, make sure you check your oil and water level under the hood, and ensure that you have the correct amount of oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, wiper fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid which will save you hundreds of dollars up front, if maintained carefully. Don’t wait for the light on the dash board because it is usually too late; keep your car healthy and keep you and your family safe on the road, and your pockets full with that extra cash.
3. Tires maintenance
Tires are a very important part of the car, and they are usually overlooked when it comes to maintenance. What people usually don’t know is that keeping your tires inflated and regulating the tire pressure can prolong their life by 200%, in addition to increasing your mileage to up to 15%. You can save you a good amount of money if to buy them online, and in addition to that, you get to choose from a huge amount of options. Remember to keep them properly inflated, and it is recommended to do a checkup once a month. Also, keeping a spare tire in the trunk is important, because you never know when you might need it most. It can save you up front any potential tow bill, or road service bill. So remember to keep that spare tire inflated.
4. Changing the oil
Oil is the essence of your car, and the blood that runs through its engine. Changing the oil is something that has to be done every time you pass several thousands of miles (again, the intervals do vary between models, so make sure you consult your user manual). Today, better engines require the oil check after 5,000 miles. Consult your dealer, and look for synthetic oil, which can reduce your fuel consumption, extend the life of your engine, and reduce carbon emissions. Remember that this must be done every now and then, so keep an eye on your mileage.
5. Changing the air filter
This job can be performed by literally anyone, and it does not require any specific knowledge in car mechanics. On most vehicles, no tool is required, and it is an inexpensive filter which can save you your fuel mileage by up to 10%. In addition, it can also save you 15 cents per gallon when it comes to fuel consumption. Remember to replace it regularly, especially if you live in an area of high pollution, dirt concentration, or road constructions.
