by Susan Paige
When you invest time and money in your car, it pays returns by saving you money on maintenance and on needing a new car sooner than expected. There are several things you can do to ensure your car lasts longer. For starters, routine maintenance is essential. Fixing problems when they arise will do wonders for keeping your car in shape. You can keep on top of maintenance and repair costs with an extended warranty.
Meanwhile, reading CarShield reviews and reviews of other auto warranty options will teach you more about how extended warranties work. Also, learning how to drive defensively can keep your vehicle on the road for many more miles than it would otherwise. You can also make your car last longer by not using your vehicle for road trips or vacations by renting or using public transportation.
This guide will help you learn how to stretch your car’s lifespan out so you can feel even better about that affordable payment plan you negotiated.
Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Maintaining your car is one of the best ways to keep it on the road. It is also necessary, and skipping it can leave you figuring out a budget and time to fix your car. Car maintenance includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, tire replacement, and much more.
One way to make sure that these services are manageable is to make an appropriate budget for them. Take out your budget sheet and car manual to get to work.
Your car’s user manual should tell you everything about maintaining your car. You can learn how long each part can last and what its specs are for replacement. Using information like what kind of oil your car takes and how often it needs a change, you can determine how much you need to set aside for oil.
The same is true for most car parts. By making a budget, you will find it easier to maintain your car and save yourself from costly repairs in the future.
Fixing up Problems When They Arise
One thing you should pay particular attention to is fixing car problems when they arise. This does not mean you need to fix everything. Rather, you should take care of problems that will cause you headaches in the future. Sometimes, minor accidents will push something out of place just enough to ruin your vehicle. Just because your car can go on the road does not mean it should. Always get your vehicle checked out after even the most minor of accidents.
If your car has some dings in the bumper, you can skip fixing these. People who live in a city and park on the street know that there will always be more dings to come. Still, something like misaligned tires can cause your wheels or brakes to wear unevenly. Misalignment can lead to more costly problems and cause you to spend more on filling up at the fuel pump. Even running your engine with subpar oil can cause it to work less efficiently, as will most mechanical problems.
Fixing up your car should not cost too much if you are smart about where you take it and how you insure it. You will also want to set aside a small fund for unexpected repairs. You can usually find good information on how much to expect to pay in repairs based on your lifestyle and where you live. Keeping your car in good condition will also help it retain its value over time as well as its driving capabilities.
Driving Defensively
Another way to keep your car on the road as long as possible is to drive defensively. Not only is driving defensively safer, but it is the way your car was made to drive. Your manual likely has tips for how to drive your car most efficiently. It should give you tips on accelerating and braking, and it will likely tell you the speed at which your car is most efficient.
It makes sense that driving with caution is the best way to ensure your car lasts longer. After all, it is a delicate machine with many parts. These parts wear out over time, so applying more pressure to them will expedite the wear and tear. If you want to stretch your car’s lifespan and the value you get from it, drive safely to make your car last longer.
Renting as Necessary
Most people drive their car when they should be renting a vehicle or taking alternate transportation. It might sound counterintuitive, but you can save money in the long run by renting a car sometimes.
For extended trips out of town, make a budget for an affordable rental. And for shorter getaways, try to plan trips that work with bus routes or train routes. Even though it can feel like paying twice for a car, it can be better, in the long run, to avoid taking your car on long trips.
Also, fixing a problem with your vehicle when you’re far from home ends up costing more than you would otherwise pay because you have to factor in accommodations and returning your car home when this happens. Avoid unnecessary hassle by avoiding taking your car on long trips.
The Bottom Line
The longer your car lasts, the more value you get out of your purchase. If you are like most people, you need a car for daily life. By taking care of your car and keeping it in driving condition, you can save yourself money by not having to buy a new car, and it will save you from vehicle maintenance and excess fuel costs.
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The Oil Change Dilemma: How Many Miles Can You Go Over?
So, what do you think ?