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Car expenses are among those that feel inconvenient and often annoying to pay. Let’s face it, cars are not the cheapest thing to own, run, or maintain even if you have a cheap car. Yet, there are ways to save money on car maintenance with the right knowledge and tips. If you want to reduce the amount of money you are spending on your car maintenance, let’s get into it.
Buy second-hand
If you are looking into car sales because your current car is too expensive or it is your first time purchasing a car, buying second-hand will save you instant money. Not only will the price of the car be lower, but so will its maintenance fees. New cars and their parts can be expensive. From their window wipers to new tires and mechanical parts, the price you will pay for newer parts will be a lot more than older parts. You may even be able to find second-hand car parts to repair your car if they are in good enough condition, which will save you even more money.
Use your car for as long as possible
Cars are among the belongings we own that we feel we need to update every few years. Most cars will run over 100,000 miles on the clock, especially if you keep them in good shape. There’s no magic expiration date that says that after your car gets above 100,000 miles or is more than 5 years old that it must go. For the best bang for your buck, keep your car as long as it’s working well.
Service your car regularly
Car checkups are one of those things that can easily be put off. Yet, the longer you put it off, the worse the condition of your car could be. Get regular checkups to ensure everything is in working order. If you continue to drive your car without realizing something is wrong, it could cause serious damage and result in a serious bill. To spend less, always book in when your car is due for a look over.
Buy your own parts
You don’t have to let a mechanic order parts for you. By sourcing them yourself, you could save money by not having to pay commission on these parts. It’s worth doing your research first so that you know exactly which part you need – you don’t want to waste money on the wrong part. Be wary of buying partially worn parts as they are more likely to fail sooner (partially worn tires are cheap and popular, but they generally only last a few months before needing to be replaced again).
Weigh up if the repair is worth it
The 50% rule is useful when considering whether to repair or replace a car. If repair costs come to more than half the cost of a replacement, it is usually better to cut your losses and replace them. This is particularly worth considering with an older car that is likely to need repairs again in the near future. Let’s imagine you’ve received a repair quote of $1200. If you could happily buy a new car for $2000 or less, you should consider whether it’s really worth forking out money on repairs. Bear in mind that you may also be able to make some money by selling the car for scrap.