Car Care

Some of our previous Topics of the Month have shared tips for saving money by optimizing your vehicle’s gas mileage.  Your car can be an even greater source of savings if you stay on top of proper maintenance protocol.  Modern vehicles are designed to last many years and well over 100,000 miles – but proper car care is essential if you want to give your car a long and healthy life.

It’s often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s absolutely true when it comes to car maintenance.  Fixing damage after it occurs can be much more expensive (and time consuming) than the steps it takes to prevent it.  Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most mileage out of your car or truck.

1 - A Little Light Reading – Make sure to read the manual that came with your car.  If you bought your car used, or have lost the manual, don’t despair; you can pick one up pretty inexpensively either online or at a local auto supply store.

The book will include a schedule of recommended maintenance.  It’s advisable to follow these recommendations, but take note that a locally owned repair shop may perform the services much cheaper than the dealership!

2 - Drive Smart – Everyday driving habits can affect your car’s lifespan.  Don’t race your engine when first starting, as this can put unnecessary wear on it; this is especially true when it’s cold outside.  The same advice is true if you find yourself stuck in the mud or snow.  Spinning the tires while stuck, or repeatedly shifting from drive to reverse in such an instance, will also put wear on your transmission.

If you drive a manual transmission, remember that frequent engine braking can put your engine under significant stress.

3 - Don’t Get Sunburned – You wouldn’t want to get sunburned, so don’t let it happen to your car either!  Parking your car in direct sunlight can take its toll on the paint, glass, and upholstery over time.  This is especially true in sunnier and warmer climates.  Try to park in the shade.

4 - Check Fluids Regularly – It’s quick and easy to check your brake fluid, oil, coolant, and power steering fluid.  Consult your owner’s manual to find the proper levels and types of fluids, and make sure you’re never running low.  While you’re at it, make sure to check your air filter periodically as well.  It’s a good idea to set a regular schedule for checking these fluids, which will help you remember to do it.

5 - A Clean Engine is a Happy Engine – Believe it or not, simply cleaning the grime and grease off your engine surface may help it run cooler.  It will also make it easier to spot leaks.  Engine cleaning supplies are available at auto supply stores.

6 - The Straw That Broke The Car’s Back – Don’t overload your vehicle.  Towing more than the recommended capacity, or hauling the entire content of your apartment in your trunk, will put a huge strain on your drivetrain.

7 - Wax On, Wax Off – Washing your car regularly and waxing it a couple of times per year will help preserve the paint for years.  Plus, who doesn’t love a clean car?

Your vehicle may be one of your largest investments, so you should be prepared to treat it like one. A few small and inexpensive steps can save you and your wallet a major headache down the road, and that can translate to a very tangible savings.