How to save money by caring for your car
When did you last shell out for repairs on your car? There’s nothing worse than taking your motor for a service or MOT to find that you have to pay for things that you could have fixed yourself, had you known.
There are ways to maintain your car and save money, however. To help you work out where to start, here’s a look at some of the key areas to cover and top tips to make sure your car is cared for and less likely to need expensive repairs.
Do regular oil checks
Oil is there to keep the engine and other moving parts of your car lubricated. It also soaks up the heat from the friction formed between the moving parts. By absorbing this heat, it stops your car from overheating.
This means it’s important to regularly check your oil levels. Ideally, you should do this once a month by checking the dipstick, which you’ll find under the bonnet. By doing this, you can prevent your car from overheating, and avoid a costly trip to the garage.
Fill to the top
How often do you full up your car’s tank? It could be time to rethink you filling habits, especially if you tend to only fill mid-way, as you could be putting your engine at risk of getting clogged, which can lead to your car seizing up.
The way you drive can also be costing you more in petrol. If you’re a bit of a racer on the roads or you like to accelerate hard, you’re more likely to be burning through your fuel faster, as well as your petrol budget.
Check your tyres
When you do your oil check, remember to take a look at your tyres too. Make sure they’re all at the pressure listed in your service manual and, if not, head to your nearest petrol station to top them up. If your tyres aren’t properly inflated, they can add drag to your car, using more fuel.
Also, take a look at the tread. They need to have at least 1.6mm depth to meet the legal requirement. By doing this, you can save on having to pay for replacements at the MOT stage, when you could have to also pay for other repairs. CarBibles suggests you to consider all terrain tires that are also a good option when you need a solid, year-round tire.
Clean the windscreen
The exterior of your car is likely to get dirty quickly. Smeared windscreens can be dangerous and rusty paintwork can lead to further damage if not treated, so make sure both are clear of dirt and weather-related damage.
Check the warranty
Having the safety net of a warranty is a cost-effective way of looking after your car should something go wrong. Check to see if your car’s warranty is in date and, if not, do some research into the options available to you. Specialists will be able to help you find the best protection for your vehicle.
Use oscilloscopes
An oscilloscope is an automotive diagnostic tool. The best automotive oscilloscope helps to analyze and display the electronic system error by showing a wave graph, giving mechanics a clear idea of a particular component’s performance.
Will you rethink the way you care for your car? What habits will you get into to help you save money?
Photo by Anna Stoffel
