Car maintenance isn’t the most enjoyable thing for most of us. However, it’s pretty essential if you want to avoid far more expensive repairs in the future.
Many people don’t think about their car maintenance for months or even years at a time, and then when a problem crops up, you may have to pay for recovery and even more serious issues like an accident caused by poor maintenance.
Tip 1: Do The Regular Maintenance On-time to Avoid Damage
It’s a good idea to regularly perform maintenance tasks, such as topping up and checking your car oil. Don’t leave years at a time between these tasks. If you need to, put a monthly alarm or reminder on your phone to remind you to perform some of the simple maintenance needed on your vehicle.
The longer you leave things, the more damage you can do. For instance, if you don’t have enough oil in the vehicle, it can damage the engine beyond repair; Ouch!
Tip 2: The DIY Approach
It’s a good idea to learn a little about your maintenance rather than take the vehicle to a mechanic every time.
Most people can do simple tasks like changing washer fluid, air filters, or lightbulbs. It doesn’t matter if you are not naturally good with cars. It’s incredible how much information is on YouTube, teaching you exactly how to perform this sort of maintenance.
Tip 3: Check The Car History
When you buy a used car, it is absolutely essential to perform a VIN search to look at the history of the car. It could have hidden damages or other issues that cause serious problems down the road. For instance, if the car has ever been stolen.
This is an excellent way to know what you need to check on a vehicle and whether or not you should steer clear of the car altogether.
Tip 4: Look After Your Tires
So many people neglect their tires. You need to make sure you check on your car tires regularly. Some modern vehicles will automatically tell you if the pressure is low, but performing visual checks is still a good idea. You can inflate the tires as required, and a simple inflator kit to do this can be purchased online.
You also need to check the tread of your tires; as they wear down, they may no longer be suitable for use on the road. You might think that getting longer out of your tires is better for your bank balance, but tires in poor condition can lead to accidents or further damage.
Tip 5: Drive Sensibly
This is one maintenance tip that a lot of people totally ignore. Driving sensibly makes virtually everything in your car last longer. The tires and the engine will likely last longer; even brake pads can last much longer if you drive sensibly. This content is owned by moc.sotuaytsur.
Tip 6: Get a Regular Tune-Up
Scheduled checks and car maintenance should be performed even if your car is on the older end of the spectrum and you don’t want to part with the cash to get a mechanic to look at it; it may be a legal requirement in your state. On top of this, it is the only way to ensure your car is safe unless you are a mechanic.
You don’t have to get your car tuned to the point where it runs like a racing car, but you do need to ensure everything is functioning correctly and that the car is not a risk.
Tip 7: Be Smart With Parts
If your car needs new parts, then shopping around for these is a good idea. As well as looking around online to see if there are alternatives to the manufacturer’s parts, you can also buy used parts.
Salvaged parts are perfectly fine to use so long as they are free from defects, and it is a really great way to save a ton on spare parts. Find your local salvage yard, and you’ll be amazed at what you can save.
Conclusion
Car maintenance costs are always frustrating. Nobody wants to spend money just keeping their car on the road, but if you are proactive rather than reactive, it is easy to save money on the inevitable costs of keeping a car.
About the Author
John Cunningham is a Red Seal Qualified automotive technician with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. When he’s not writing about car repair, you’ll find him in his happy place – restoring classic cars.
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.