Seven Tips to Help You Save on Vehicle Maintenance

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We all know how convenient it is to have a vehicle. You can practically get to any place, anytime when you have a car. But while it is very convenient to own a vehicle, it can also be very costly.  Aside from having to purchase vehicle insurance, you will have to spend for the maintenance of your car.

If car maintenance is something that has been eating up your monthly expenses, here are some tips to keep in mind so that you can maximize your savings:

1. Don’t change oil regularly.

You may have been told by your father or grandfather when you were younger that it is imperative to change oil every 3,000 miles. It was true back then but today’s modern cars don’t need to have their engine oils changed regularly.

In fact, you can have your car’s oil changed every 7,500 miles especially if you use synthetic oils. Most new cars also have an oil change indicator so there’s no need for you to guess when to schedule a trip to your favorite auto repair center.

2 . Clean your battery

Clean your battery especially during the summer months, as the heat can affect the internal mechanism. Clean corrosion from terminals to minimize corrosion. You can do it yourself by mixing baking soda and water, then using a small brush to clean the terminals. Tighten cable connections as well.

3. Inflate your tires properly

Another thing that motorists tend to forget is the importance of keeping the tires properly inflated.  Proper tire inflation can prolong the life of your tires as well as improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Check your tires regularly to maintain the recommended pressure, as specified by your car maker.

4. Change your driving habits.

Your driving habits can affect your fuel efficiency, so better change the way you drive now. For instance, avoid speeding up only to brake sharply as this can reduce your vehicle’s fuel mileage by up to 33 percent. Of course, that driving habit also makes you likely to get involved in an accident.

5. Combine errands

It is better to combine your trips when running errands to maximize your fuel efficiency.  One way is to drive to the farthest destination first, allowing your car to ‘warm up’ and maximize gas mileage.

6.  Bring your own parts

You can also save a lot of money if you bring in parts when going to a car repair shops. Instead of buying from the car repair store, why don’t you shop around for the spare part yourself?  This would let you find the cheapest item on the market.

7. Do It Yourself

You can also do certain car maintenance tasks yourself.  There are certain car maintenance works that any adult can do, such as replacing the air filter and fuel filter, changing the engine oil, and replacing the windshield wipers.

By following any of these tips, you can save a lot of dollars and keep your car in good working condition.