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Financial Tips

How to Save Money : Preventative Car Maintenance

With the average car on the road today being more than 9 years old, it's notable that the average car is likely not covered under a service warranty. As such, keeping your car well maintained makes good financial sense because you'll need to cover any major repairs yourself. With the proper care and attention, a vehicle can last many years past its warranty, saving you and your household budget from these costly repairs.

Preventive car maintenance is nothing to be afraid of. Even if your knowledge of auto mechanics is limited, there are many fundamental things you can do to help avoid problems in the future. Let's review a list of tips compiled by the professionals at Credit Counselors:

  • Get into the habit of bringing your car in for all of the regular recommended maintenance, as listed in your owner's manual. True, these services aren't free. But neglecting them is "penny-wise, pound foolish."
  • You can improve your car's gas mileage somewhat through proper tire care. By ensuring that they're inflated to the right pressure, you'll optimize their performance. Also important to the life of your tires are wheel alignments, tire rotation, and tire balancing. Many of these services are offered quite affordably (often run as specials) by local oil change shops.
  • Are you prepared in case of a flat tire? We recommend carrying a spare tire and the equipment necessary to change a tire at all times. You should also check to see that your spare tire is in decent shape. Flat tires can often be fixed relatively inexpensively instead of discarded completely.
  • The engine is your car's most vital element and can bring about the most costly repairs of all. Take care of your engine by seeking professional advice when you see or hear signs of trouble (poor performance, engine noises, indicator lights going on, temperature gauges showing trouble, etc.). When caught early, chances are the repairs will be cheaper.
  • Along those lines, one of the most important routine maintenance measures of all is to change your oil regularly. Some manufacturers recommend an oil and filter change every 3,000 miles. Others push that up to every 7,500 miles. Check your owner's manual. (Often, the recommended mileage intervals vary according to how you drive your car – i.e. mostly city driving vs. mostly highway driving.)
  • Also consult your owner's manual for recommendations on radiator flushes, as well as brake, power steering, and transmission fluid changes.
  • Without filters, your engine could become clogged and contaminated over time. Make sure to change your air filter, breather element, cabin filter, and fuel filter according to your car's maintenance schedule.
  • Periodically inspect your hoses and belts, as damage to these components can lead to more serious problems.
  • Visibility is of paramount importance to your safety. So, change your wipers annually.
  • When headlamps, turning signals, or other lights burn out, most of these are easily replaced on your own (saving you further service fees).
  • Keeping your car clean inside and out improves its resale value. Regular washings also protect your car's paint job, maintaining its resale value.
  • Find a mechanic you can trust. When you do need repairs, you'll have the peace of mind that they'll be done properly and for a fair price (communicated to you in advance of the repair work). If friends or family have no recommendations, try your local Better Business Bureau.
  • Retain your auto-related receipts. Not only will they help you schedule timely preventive maintenance, but they provide evidence of service in the event of a warranty dispute.
  • Don't impulsively purchase a new car if your current one is aging. Occasional repair bills are often less costly in the long run than a monthly payment of several hundred dollars.

Many of the above items aren't free. Auto ownership is something that should be worked into your household budget whether you have a new car under warranty or an older vehicle. The key is to make the most of your investment. If you keep your car running well, it'll pay you back with fewer expensive repairs.

The debt management professionals at Credit Counselors can put you in the driver's seat when it comes to taking charge of your personal finances. If you need debt counseling or budgeting assistance, please contact us today.