Car maintenance is expensive, there’s no secret in that. Still, without proper care, our vehicles can’t last long. So, is there any way to keep your car working while on a budget, or should you start saving for a new vehicle?
Well, we’re glad you asked! In this article, we’ll provide you with some of our favorite tips on how to keep your car in its optimal condition even when money is tight!
So without any further ado, let’s get to the bottom of it!
Routine inspections.
Source: cargurus.com
The first step towards reaching a cheaper vehicle-care routine is keeping an eye on possible defects before they become a larger issue. So, check your car once in a while, and ensure everything’s working properly.
Experts such as MotorcycleSafetyLawyers always suggest paying attention to any unusual smells or sounds while you’re driving, and don’t forget to check your tires, hoses, and brakes after you’ve had a particularly long ride.
If you’re not sure whether you can inspect your vehicle properly, you can always get a mechanic to do it for you. Routine checkups are quite cheap and they could potentially save you from paying for tons of expensive repairs in the long haul.
Overall, performing frequent inspections on your vehicle is half the job done. As we mentioned before, take note of any unusual changes on your car: be it smell, noise, or any unexplainable dents.
Read the car’s service manual.
The service manual can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the maintenance requirements for your car. People who manufactured and designed the vehicle wrote it, so you’ll find the most accurate information in there. If you try to ask the employees in the local mechanic’s shop, they’re likely to recommend excessive oil changes and servicing.
So, don’t forget to check the service manual! You’ll know exactly how often to service your car, when to replace parts and how to care for it properly. Overall, the manual should be your one and only source of info when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Your vehicle has its unique specifications, so following the manufacturer’s guide is always the best way to go about it.
Don’t forget about the timing belt.
Source: sunautoservice.com
Typically, once your car reaches around 70,000 miles, it’s time to replace the timing belt. Again, your car’s service manual can tell you exactly when is the right time to do this. However, if you notice any weird noises coming from the engine, or your car seems to be lacking in power, it might be time for some early cambelt replacing.
If you ignore those unusual sounds made by a worn-off timing belt, you could end up with a severely damaged engine. We don’t need to tell you how costly this would be to repair. So, never forget to check your cambelt!
DIY what you can.
For simpler car fixes, you can always try doing it yourself! There are a plethora of different YouTube tutorials and online guides you can follow, but make sure you don’t DIY anything too complex. Sometimes, hiring a professional can save you money, especially in the long run. With that being said, ensure you choose a trustworthy mechanic for the job. Your car is a valuable possession, so don’t ever leave it to amateur hands!
So, overall, DIY-ing is okay, as long as you’re confident you can do a good job, and the repair isn’t something huge.
If your car needs replacements, used is the way to go!
Source: thenewswheel.com
We all want the best for our vehicles, so many underestimate the power of buying used parts! Just because they’re used, it doesn’t mean they’re not functional. In fact, if you’re able to find a reliable supplier such as www.usedpart.us, for example, you’ll get the quality of a new one for a much lower price! Again, make sure the supplier of the parts is reputable enough to guarantee the quality you deserve.
When you are looking for online suppliers, check out mykmparts for the best products at a lower price. Whatever you do, require to see the parts before you buy them. In this way, you’ll be able to stick to your budget while getting your car the quality it requires.
Wash your car!
While washing your car regularly might not seem like it would do much, it’s essential for the longevity of the vehicle. If you leave it unattended, the accumulated salt and dirt will cause it to rust!
Once it starts rusting, there’s not much you can do. The damage would be next to unrepairable, and the costs would be overwhelming. So don’t risk it, and wash your car! When should you wash it? When you notice even the slightest sign of dirt! It’s that simple! Of course, make sure to invest in high-quality cleaning products to ensure optimal results. Before washing, you should check car windshield and visit chandlerwindshield.com if you need expert advice.
Change the filters and check your tires.
Source: pinterest.fr
Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye on your tires, and make sure your filters (engine, cabin, and fuel) are clean. If your car is in a particularly dusty environment, you might want to keep a closer eye on your engine and cabin air filters.
Stick to the recommended tire pressure from the manual, and check whether they’re properly aligned. Tires can be quite expensive, so make sure to inspect them regularly to maximize the potential mileage.
All in all, when push comes to shove and your tires go flat in the middle of the road, call a reliable auto service to help you change them. Keep a spare tire in your trunk at all times, and try to learn how to change it yourself to save some money.
The bottom line
Properly maintaining your vehicle is of the utmost importance. However, we all know it can get quite expensive. Whatever you do, remember to read up on the manufacturer’s manual to check when the replacements are due. Find the best supplier of used parts and get what you need for a lower price. Keep your car as clean as possible, and perform regular inspections.
Overall, as long as car maintenance becomes your routine, you’ll be able to save some money, especially in the long run.
