Operating and maintaining a vehicle is a major expense and in most households, it is the second-largest expense. This means that for each mile you drive, the cost will keep adding up. Is there any way to reduce this expense? Definitely! This guide by CarSwitch will show you how to maintain car maintenance costs.
Don’t idle the car when you’re not driving
We all get stuck in traffic and most of us wait in the rush with the engine still on. This habit negatively impacts the engine and the driver ends up losing a lot of fuel, which is why you should always turn off the engine whenever the vehicle is stationary.
A popular misconception is that we have to invest significantly more time in winter to warm up the engine. What you should do instead is drive the vehicle slowly for the initial seconds after starting the engine. This is a better practice than just idling the car.
Embrace the heat
If you think you can survive and continue driving in the heat, turn off the air conditioner. Using the AC can lower the fuel efficiency by 25% according to research. And who doesn’t love optimum fuel economy? It is the goal of every driver to improve this figure and you can easily do so by only using the air conditioner when it is needed.
There is a trick to utilize less AC – open the windows at low speeds first so that the humid air escapes. When the hot air is let out, you can increase the speed and turn on the air conditioner. This will keep the fuel efficiency in check.
Read More: Car Maintenance Tips: 2021
Choose the correct motor oil
Utilizing an inferior quality motor oil reduces the mileage by 1% to 2% due to the higher friction in the engine. However, the high-quality motor oils prevent this friction and save the fuel along with it’s usage.
So, invest in motor oil from a reputable company and regularly check the oil level. This will save you from costly repairs in the long run.
Ensure that the tires are inflated
Want to boost the lifetime of your tires? Make sure that they’re inflated at all times! Always check whether there is sufficient pressure in the tires as it is directly proportional to the fuel economy.
However, do not exceed the maximum pressure level. All drivers should own a tire gauge in order to check the tire pressure each month. On average, the tires lose around 2 pounds of pressure in a month.
Save on car insurance
Anyone can save money on car insurance by properly researching and observing the market. Shopping around can yield huge savings, research has found. Whether you purchase an old or new vehicle, it is important to gain car insurance and get yearly quotes from a minimum of 4 companies.
A credible insurance company has impressive reviews and low complaint ratios. Likewise, check their rating as well. These factors will help you in settling a decision.
Learn DIY tricks
If you are a mature driver, you must be aware that time is money. It can be even more precious than money. Therefore, even if you have never tried to do anything related to DIY in your life and you have zero interest in it, learning a bit of DIY car tricks will save you both time and money. Since maintenance is not a one-time but regular thing, why not do it at home yourself?
Lots of resources are available online like YouTube guides. Even if you have to get your hands dirty, you will save money, learn great skills, and get more familiar with your vehicle.
A little prevention goes a long way
Seat covers and rubber mats can shield the fabric inside the car, especially if pets or children are usual passengers. If you are someone that prioritizes the aesthetic of the vehicle and dislike using seat covers because of it, remember that the style comes much later than the resale value.
Whenever you decide to resale the car, the rubber mats and seat covers will keep the interior intact and the cabin will look brand new.
Read More: 5 Car Maintenance Expenses that Deserve your Extra Cash
