It is no secret that car maintenance can be expensive. However, it does not have to be. It is possible to take care of your car and save money at the same time. Here are three tips to saving money:
- Do small maintenance jobs yourself
- Take part in a loan a tool program
- Do not buy new parts
You can learn everything you need to know to implement these strategies the next time your check engine light turns on.
Do Maintenance Yourself
There are some jobs that you need a mechanic for. The inner systems of your car are not only incredibly complicated, but even minor mistakes can render the car completely inoperable. It is best to leave these jobs for the professional unless you know what you are doing. However, there are minor jobs that the average person would have no problem taking care of yourself. For example, it is easy to know how to tell if your car battery is dead.
Changing a car battery is as simple as removing the old one and popping in the new one, as long as you wear protective gloves and connect the right connectors to the diodes. There is no reason a mechanic has to do that particular job. Additionally, the majority of maintenance can be done in just a minute or two. Make sure to keep your fluid levels up and change your filters and brake pads regularly.
Tool Borrowing Programs
If you plan to take care of a maintenance job yourself, you will need special tools. You could purchase these tools for the job, but you may never use them again. You can save time by borrowing the tools instead. Many auto parts stores have tool loaning programs where you can get quality duralast tools to take care of the job.
Then you can simply return the tool when you are done. This has the added benefit of the guarantee that you have the right tool for the job. Any good auto parts place will make sure you have the right tool when you buy the part you need.
Purchase Aftermarket Parts
This is a simple change that can make a huge difference. Car manufacturers want you to think you need to put brand new parts into your car and that you can only get these parts from them. Aftermarket parts are just as good and much less expensive. It is no exaggeration to say that the biggest difference is the price tag.
You may be worried about getting a part suited for your car specifically, but this is taken care of as well. Aftermarket parts are sorted by make and model, meaning you will never have the problem of buying a part to discover later that it does not fit.
The biggest thing that prevents people from taking advantage of these tips every day is confidence. It is easier than you think to take care of your car yourself if you are willing to get your hands dirty. You also get a more intimate understanding of your vehicle so you can recognize future problems and identify the solutions.
