Are you tired of shelling out money for car repairs and maintenance? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers feel like they’re constantly having to spend money on their cars with no end in sight. However, there are ways to save cash on all your car expenses. By following a few simple tips, you can keep more money in your pocket and less going out the door for car-related costs.
Save on replacement
Do you need new replacement parts for your car? One way to save cash on your car expenses is to buy car parts online. Many times you can find the same parts for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at a traditional auto parts store. Furthermore, many auto parts online store, like SuncentAuto, offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so be sure to take advantage of this when possible. You can often find great deals on car parts online, and you won’t have to pay the high prices that you would at a brick-and-mortar store.
Cut maintenance costs
If your taillight is out or if your water pump leaks, call your warranty company and ask if it can be repaired before going to the repair shop – even if the warranty has expired. Manufacturers typically grant a warranty on parts that are found to be defective, so you can cover the repair out of your own pocket if the warranty period has expired. No warranty? Search to see if repairs are covered by your warranty.
Some insurance companies may try to raise the cost of your repairs after your car technician informs you that new equipment will be more expensive; however, they’ll ensure that they’re safe. So let your auto shop know if you’re open to using refurbished parts.
Don’t waste gas
Less fuel is wasted by driving at a steady speed, avoiding gas-wasting warm-up and idle time, and carpooling whenever possible. For every 5 miles driven at speeds over 50 miles per hour, your fuel economy may decrease by seven percent or more.
Deduct money from the insurance
In car accidents, many more drivers now on the road increase the odds that someone is going to be injured. Hinterlands that supply car parts face supply chain issues and have lots of stock on hand, which can increase your cost when purchasing a used vehicle after an accident. Ideally, you can cut your insurance rates by lowering your insurer. When you shop about, almost 90 percent of the survey respondents said that they found lower monthly payments. In fact, over 25 percent saved up to $200 on their annual premium! You can browse through sites, such as Insurify and The Zebra, to compare rates.
Change the oil and filter regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your car is to change the oil and filter regularly. This helps to keep all the moving parts in your engine lubricated and running smoothly. It’s a relatively inexpensive fix that can save you a lot of money down the road.
If you’re not sure how often you should be changing your oil, consult your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic. They’ll be able to tell you what’s best for your particular vehicle. But in general, it’s a good idea to change your oil every 3,000 miles or so.
Clean the battery
Although extremely cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s charge by as much as 50 percent, summer heat is the worst for its internal mechanisms. To minimize problems, use a mixture of baking soda and water on a small brush to remove terminal corrosion and tighten cable connections. If the battery is more than three years old, test it.
Last words
Although a car is considered an asset, it is good to remember that a car is a depreciating asset. Each year, their value drops due to wear and tear and the release of new models. Therefore, cars are not an investment because they only retain their value for a short period of time.
So be smart with your car. Making sound financial choices about the car you drive and the car insurance you obtain will equal more money in your pocket in the long run.