With the gasoline prices all over the board in the last few years, most of us are paying closer attention to the expenses we incur when it comes to our cars. While some cities offer public transportation so that residents don’t need to utilize their cars on a daily basis, there are still millions of individuals who do. So, follow the tips outlined below to reduce your annual and ongoing car expenses.
Extend the 3000 mile rule- While the 3000 mile rule is commonly applied to oil and filter changes, many manufacturers actually state that it is acceptable to wait until between 5000-7000 to change the oil. By extending the time in between oil changes, you will be saving money. Be sure to read the recommendations provided to you by your car manufacturer for more details.
Shop Around- Before you agree to expensive car repairs or maintenance, shop around with competitors. Compare between 3-5 retailers for pricing before agreeing to have the service completed to ensure that you have the best price available.
Complicate Repairs, Stick with the Dealer- I cannot explain how many times I have or my friends have taken their cars into a less expensive repair shop, only to come out with more problems as the repairs were not done properly. For complicated repairs or work that is specialized, take your car into a dealer. Dealers are trained for repairs on your specific make and model and will often complete them without any issues. By taking your car to another shop, you are risking that they will be done incorrectly, only adding to your total bill, not reducing it.
Fix Windshield Chips- While it may seem inconvenient to fix a windshield chip immediately, if you wait, you risk the chip becoming worse. When a chip turns into a crack, you may have to replace the entire windshield as opposed to the simple chip.
Review your Car Insurance- Take time to review your car insurance annually. Compare your current coverage with the coverage of other companies to compare pricing. And, remove any unnecessary features to reduce your annual premium. Always choose the highest annual deductible that you can afford, as this will also often reduce your total required insurance premiums.
You can proactively work to reduce your car expenses annually. In many cases, you can avoid many costly car expenses completely by following these simple tips.
Popularity: 1% [?]
3 months, 3,000 miles. If you observe this rule, you actually will keep your car in better working condition. A car in good condition operates better and burns less gas. It costs less to get the oil changed than it does to fill up a tank, even in compact cars.
In the long run, I think you’re hurting yourself if you wait too long to change the oil and handle other forms of maintenance on your vehicle, which, down the line, could force you to spend money on costly repairs.