Cars are a place where saving money is not always possible. They are also a place that quality should not be compromised. However, there are a few ways you can save money on car repairs and car maintenance. Here are a few tips.
Oil Change/Regular Tune Up – A regular oil change can add to the life of your automobile. A healthy car is a long lasting car. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 3000 miles or so. This tip comes from our local oil change store. The manager confirmed that a car with regular oil changes and tune-ups will have fewer problems over the course of its life. Often many serious and costly problems can be avoided by regular maintenance on your vehicle, because they will catch much smaller problems that save in the long run.
Shop Around – If you do have to get car repairs, don’t just go to the same place you’ve always gone to. Shop around for the best deals. If you find a repair shop that will look at the car for free, take it in and find out what is wrong with it. Have them quote the price and then let them know you will get back to them. Call around to repair shops that you are either familiar with or that others have recommended, tell them what is wrong with the car and what needs to be fixed and then ask them if they can quote you a price. Many will be willing to do this over the phone. Usually if you tell them what another place has quoted you, they will offer you a lower amount. Our car needed repairs yesterday, we took in and had it looked at. There are two rather simple things that needed to be done with it. The original quoted price was $285. Not bad, but we knew we could do better. We shopped around and the car was returned to us completely fixed for only $145! Sure pays to shop around!
Get Educated – Learn how to properly change a tire, which can save you a lot of money on towing and repairs. Also learn how to use a pair of jumper cables, which also can save you on towing expenses.
In the trunk – Keep a pressure gage, disposable camera (for accident purposes), flashlight, jumper cables, tool box, windshield scraper, blanket, first aid kit, flares, and a funnel. These essential tools can save you a bundle when an accident, break down or other emergency occurs. We also keep one extra set of clothing for each household member in our trunk. You never know when you might need it, and believe it or not, we have.
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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