Are you following up on your New Year’s resolutions? You might have included the usual items, such as exercising more and saving money. Now, it’s time to take the next step and make some resolutions for your car. These car care tips can help you save money, and that’s a great way to ring in the new year.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
Do you wonder, “What is the most important maintenance on a car?” The answer is simple. Checking your tire pressure is the most important thing you can do for your vehicle. Properly inflated tires are safer and will last longer. Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is also one of the cheapest car care tips around.
You can buy a tire gauge for as little as $5, and you can top off the air for a couple of quarters at a local gas station. On the other hand, you can easily spend $100 or more to replace a single tire. If you want your tires to last through the new year and beyond, check your tire pressure monthly.
2. Get Regular Oil Changes
It’s crucial to keep up with your oil changes. In the past, oil needed to be changed every 3,000 miles. Modern advancements have stretched that to 5,000-7,500 for most vehicles. Check your manual to find out how often you need to change your oil.
If your vehicle uses conventional oil, you can expect to pay $35-$75 to change the oil and filter. The price goes up to $65-$125 if you use synthetic oil. That’s a small price to pay when you consider the damage that comes with failing to change the oil. Eventually, the lack of lubrication can destroy the engine, and you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars on a new one.
3. Get a Car Tune-Up
Have you found yourself asking, “What is routine maintenance on a vehicle?” While there are many answers, a tune-up is among the most important and should be part of your annual car maintenance schedule. Keep in mind that a basic tune-up is needed every 3,000 miles. The team at your local car repair shop will check the filters and fluids and make sure everything is working as it should. Depending on your vehicle’s age, your car tune-up might include other services, such as flushing the cooling system or replacing the spark plugs.
The cost of a car tune-up varies depending on what you need. It might be as little as $40 or as high as $800 if you have to get lots of items replaced. However, if you fail to get a tune-up, you could spend thousands of dollars fixing or replacing your vehicle.
4. Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Keeping the car tidy is one of the most often ignored car care tips. While you might not think regular washes and waxes are part of car care, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Washing and waxing your vehicle can prevent rust from forming. That means your vehicle will last longer, and then when you decide to sell it, it will have a higher value. It’s also important to keep up with your car’s interior. Take care of stains and smells before they become a problem or start growing mold.
You can wash and wax your vehicle yourself by spending a few dollars on supplies. That small investment might help you get hundreds of dollars more when you sell it.
Bonus Tip – Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance Coverage
These car care tips will help you save money this year and beyond. You can also save money by having the right car insurance coverage. At Freeway Insurance, a licensed car insurance agent can help you compare quotes and find the best policy for your needs.
