How to Keep Car Repair Costs Down: 5 Great Tips

Auto repair is a fact of life. We live in a time where you can’t get anywhere without a set of wheels on the go. One price we pay for that convenience is that car repair costs become part of every family’s budget. Unless you’re a true enthusiast and have a full-scale garage at your disposal, you’re going to have to spend some money on repairs from time to time, but here are some tips to help you cut car repair costs.

Check and change your oil

This is one of the biggest problems that is also one of the simplest to solve. Every time you stop for gas, check the oil level. It’s as easy as finding the dipstick, cleaning it, reinserting it, then checking the level. You also need to do a periodic oil change. If you are driving with bad oil, you will have all the parts of your engine rubbing against each other causing friction and heat. This will wear out your engine in no time. It will also have corrosion caused by the old oil that has been sitting forever in the pan.

Learn to shift smoothly

Drive a stick? If so, you’ll need to perfect your smooth shifting technique. This is an art form, but it’s something anyone can learn to do and it will save you a lot of money on car repairs. When you rev ​​the engine, you are wearing your clutch more. Once the clutch goes out, you’ll have major bills for repairs. Each stick shift has a slightly different feel. Pay attention to yours and make sure the gears aren’t screeching and the engine isn’t revving. If so, take some time to practice and smooth it out.

Shift to Neutral at Red Lights

Very few drivers do this, but shifting into neutral at red lights goes a long way to take the pressure off your engine. This is especially important if you drive to work every day or take long road trips. When you have your foot on the brake waiting at a stoplight, you put stress on the engine, which will wear it out more quickly over time.

Don’t overload your system

It’s generally a good idea to use heaters, air conditioners, and defrosters only when you need them. Running the air conditioning too high in the summer can cause your vehicle to overheat. Also, when you use them, your engine has to push harder and this puts a strain on it. It will also wear out your tires and reduce your fuel economy.

Replace air filters regularly

Air filters get worn and dirty, and this also puts undue strain on your engine. Most people change them every time their vehicle is serviced, but for most makes and models this is not enough. Check your owner’s manual to see how often they recommend changing your air filters, and be sure to do so. This is an easy thing to include in your regular maintenance routine.

Learning to drive and care for your vehicle can greatly reduce car repair costs. You’ll have to take it sometimes, but follow these 5 tips and you can save big on expenses to keep your car running.