During the dog days of summer, it’s critical to ensure that your car is in its best shape. This allows it to handle the heat and the road trips you have planned. However, car maintenance can often be costly. There are several clever ways to save on car maintenance without compromising the quality and performance of your vehicle. This article discusses some cost-effective strategies to keep your car running smoothly this summer while saving money.
1. Top Off Your Fluids
When you regularly check and top off your car’s fluids, it’s a simple and effective way to maintain its performance. It also prevents costly repairs. The collective travel miles of all of the vehicles in America is in the trillions of miles each month. The fluids in your car are what help your car run smoothly over all those miles. Fluids include engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
When you neglect proper fluid maintenance, the engine can overheat. This can also cause decreased fuel efficiency and potential engine failure. When you monitor the fluid levels and replenish them when needed, you can extend the life of your vehicle and avoid expensive repairs.
2. Opt for Used Parts
When you need repairs for your car, you should opt for used parts. These parts can significantly reduce costs without compromising quality. In 2020, the motor vehicle and parts dealers’ industry in the United States was worth some $343.6 billion in gross output. There are a high number of online marketplaces and reputable salvage yards that offer used parts in excellent condition.
Used parts are typically significantly cheaper than brand-new ones. They are a viable option for parts that aren’t considered critical. You can consider used parts for mirrors, body panels, and interior parts. You want to be sure to get your parts from a reliable place. They must be compatible with your vehicle. When you select used parts for specific repairs, you can save a significant amount of money.
When you need parts for your car, it’s helpful to know what’s wrong so you can get the right parts. For example, if you notice a vibration in the undercarriage of your car, it’s the number one most common sign of a bad drive shaft, according to HowStuffWorks.
3. Check the Tire Pressure
When you maintain your tires properly, it keeps you safe and saves you money. When your tires are underinflated or overinflated, it can lead to uneven wear, reduced traction, and decreased fuel efficiency. You may even have tire blowouts. You can easily check and maintain the correct tire pressure on your vehicle.
This simple action can save you money in the long run. All you need is to purchase a reliable tire pressure gauge and regularly check the pressure of all tires, including the spare. There is a sticker on the door jamb that gives you the recommendation for tire pressure. By keeping your tires properly inflated, you’ll enjoy better fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of your tires.
4. Defensive Driving
When you practice defensive driving habits, you can help avoid accidents and costly repairs. Defensive driving means you stay alert, anticipate potential hazards, and follow traffic rules and regulations. When you avoid aggressive driving behaviors like hard braking, speeding, and sudden acceleration, you can reduce the risk of accidents and minimize wear and tear on your vehicle. Defensive driving helps to preserve your car’s brakes, suspension, and other components; you can save money on repairs while extending the life of your vehicle.
When you implement these ways to save money on car maintenance, you can keep your car in excellent summer-ready condition. Remember, investing in proper car maintenance is a decision that pays off in the long run.
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