Car ownership is one of the many adult milestones that plenty of people look forward to. It represents freedom and independence, a chance to see the world through an entirely new lens.
Unfortunately, car ownership isn’t exactly the cheapest experience. From day one, the amount of money you spend on auto warranties, insurance, and registration could be your jarring welcome to the adult world.
If you’re wondering how you can avoid car ownership financial pitfalls as a new driver, the following tips should be able to help you.
Remember to Warm Up Your Car
One of the best things about owning a car is that you’re no longer at the mercy of the public transport system; you can leave home or work whenever you want and drive wherever you need to be in minutes. While it’s understandable why you’d want to just jump into your car and hit the pavement, it can be incredibly detrimental to your car’s internal components. It can damage the engine pistons and cause certain parts to break or jam.
So remember to warm up your vehicle 10 to 15 seconds before leaving the garage. This allows the oils in the car to travel to the other components, lubricating them and keeping functions going much more smoothly.
Get an Extended Car Warranty
Most cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty when you buy them brand new. The warranty covers things such as repairs and maintenance costs. Once this warranty expires, you’re left to pay for everything out-of-pocket – which can be extremely expensive. Before dismissing additional car warranties out of hand, you may want to consider reading CarShield reviews during your free time;CarShield is one of the most reliable extended car warranty providers in the country. They have an outstanding history of satisfied clients who prefer their services over others.
The great thing about an extended car warranty is that besides extending the terms of your original warranty, they also provide you with additional services like roadside assistance, car parts replacements, electrical system adjustments, and many more.
Don’t Skip Out on Preventive Maintenance
Simple preventive measures can help extend your vehicle’s lifespan significantly. Yet, many drivers still seem to think that regular maintenance is unnecessary. Most drivers avoid getting maintenance checks thinking that it will save them money. On the contrary, failing to get minor issues resolved, such as replacing a worn-out brake pad, can cost you a lot more in the long run.
Remember: Vehicle repairs will cost you far more than maintenance checks, especially if you get into an accident and acquire injuries. Keep yourself accountable for your car’s needs. Schedule regular maintenance with your mechanic and jot down your appointments in your calendar so you never forget them.
Only Work With Manufacturer-approved Mechanics
Independent mechanics may offer much cheaper services than their professional counterparts. But there’s always a catch to suspiciously affordable prices. Most independent mechanics don’t have the same level of expertise or training that professional mechanics have. In other words, they’re much more likely to commit a mistake while working on your car.
To keep your vehicle intact, work with a manufacturer-approved mechanic. These people have been trained to conduct specialized maintenance checks and repairs on your vehicle. They can spot vehicular issues before they become too large to fix. Furthermore, they can help make your car last longer.
Don’t Ignore Dashboard Warning Signals
Dashboard warning signals are there for a reason – to warn you of a possible engine or component damage. If you keep ignoring that flashing red light on the console, you might just be signing yourself up for a financial disaster. Pay attention to your dashboard warning signals and respond immediately to any issues that it might indicate.
Read Your Car Manual
Nobody enjoys reading car manuals. However, knowing what’s in your car manual can save you from committing costly vehicle errors later.
For example, there are several types of motor oil, each with a particular purpose. Some motor oil might not be compatible with your vehicle type or model. Therefore, using it can cause all sorts of component damage in your car. If you’d read your car manual, you’d know what type of motor oil to use for your car to avoid the situation.
Clean Your Car Regularly
Dirt and debris can gather in and on your car over time. This can stop your vehicle from functioning the way it should and could set you up for accidents. Making sure your car is cleaned regularly is a great way to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. It can help preserve your car’s exterior paintwork, as well as extend the life expectancy of your seat covers, dashboard upholstery, and other car components.
The Bottom Line
While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the freedom and joy of being a car owner, making sure your finances aren’t left to the wind is also important. The tips above are just a few ideas you can try to get your finances in check. They can also help you extend your vehicle life, saving you more money in the long run.
Take your time when considering each suggestion and applying them to your daily life. Good luck!
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With the cost of gas rising you have less money and freedom to spend it!