Owning a car does not only mean paying for the monthly payment. Some of the other costs of owning a vehicle are gas, toll fees, maintenance, repairs, replacements, insurance, and taxes. Before you think of buying a new vehicle, look at your finances and seriously consider the all-around costs of owning a car.
If you own a Subaru, for example, your Subaru maintenance can be an unexpected drain if you don’t plan accordingly. There’s a way for you not to spend all your extra money on your car—taking good care of it and doing minor repairs yourself.
Change the Oil Only When Necessary
There’s an ongoing myth that says that you need to change your car’s engine oil every 3,000 miles, but that myth belongs to your grandfather’s car. Technology today has enabled some cars to go for 7,500 miles without an engine oil change. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines and familiarize yourself with the needs and demands of your particular vehicle. Do not change the oil too early because it’s a waste of money.
Read the Owner’s Manual
So many drivers treat their manuals like a booklet that belongs to the trash. They deliberately store it in the glove compartment, thinking they’ll just check it one of these days and failing to do so. The moment the car breaks down, that’s the only time you’ll remember to read the manual, right? Make it a point to peruse the information there as it can give you tips on how to properly maintain and use your car. You can learn a lot about troubleshooting common problems just by reading the owner’s manual.
Stop Idling
Are you in the habit of idling your car while you wait for your partner to run in and grab some groceries at the market? Idling the car is a waste of fuel. It can cause you to lose a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour just by simply letting your engine and air-conditioning unit run while you wait for someone.
Know What Fuel Is Actually Needed
Most cars will run on regular fuel just fine, although the manufacturer will also “recommend” premium fuel. Know the difference between “recommended” and “required.” Check your gas lid and owner’s manual for guidelines. Prestige and luxury cars often require premium fuel. There’s about $0.50 per gallon difference, and it is worth it for you to learn what your vehicle needs.
Keep Your Tires at the Right Gauge
Did you know that keeping your tires at the right gauge will add 3.3% of mileage to your gas? On the other hand, under-inflated and over-inflated tires can cause your car to lose as much as 15% of fuel. Of course, that does not add to the fact that the wrong tire pressure can make maneuverability and handling difficult and can lead to accidents. You don’t have to be a car mechanic to maintain your car well. All it takes is prudence, due diligence, discipline, and a certain level of commitment to make sure that your car is kept in good shape. If you will only follow the tips and directions mentioned above, you can save a lot of money on car maintenance.
