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How To Maintain Your Car On A Budget

Cars can be pretty pricey to maintain. Like most things, they naturally wear down over time and need costly maintenance to keep them running safely. It’s a matter of spending a little money on maintenance so you don’t have to spend a huge amount on replacements. So how do you maintain your car on a budget?

Don’t Skip On Annual Checks

Annual checks on the car will alert you of anything that may need fixing so you can catch issues before they become a giant problem. Skipping these checks means minor issues have time to turn into major ones. And minor repair costs turn into major replacement costs.

So, to save yourself a fortune, spend a little money every year on an annual check.

Install A Dash Cam

Dash cams can be great for covering your back when it comes to accidents in your vehicle. Dash cams will record everything while you drive so if you’re ever involved in a crash, and it’s not your fault, the dash cam will provide evidence.

As a driver, it gives you a bit more peace of mind knowing that it’s all being documented. You can find a great range of dash cams with the Blackbox My Car guide.

Watch Out For Dashboard Messages

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your car’s user manual.

There are probably several features you wouldn’t know about if it weren’t for the manual. So take a look through it, especially the section where it mentions the dashboard messages and what to look out for.

Car owners will often know a few of the dashboard messages (time for an oil change, low tire pressure, etc), but there might be others that pop up that you don’t understand. And those could be serious. So if you get any dashboard message, check your car’s manual so you know what the problem is, then take it to a mechanic to be fixed before it gets worse.

Shop Around For Mechanics

When it comes to your local garage, they might not be cheapest in your area so it’s a good idea to shop around when it comes to choosing a mechanic to fix your car. Get recommendations from friends and family members, and don’t be afraid to get full pricing info before you hand your car over.

Be honest with your mechanic about your budget so they can try to work around it. For example, if they know you’re on a tight budget, they may be able to find refurbished parts for you instead of brand new parts.

Wash It Regularly

The longer you leave something dirty, the harder it’ll be to clean it.

Although your car may be somewhat protected by weather conditions, it isn’t indestructible. So make sure you do a thorough wash of the car on a regular basis and use the right products and wax on the car to keep it protected for longer. Do the same for the interior of your car as it’s likely to get messy as well.

Maintaining your car doesn’t have to cost the earth. As long as you get your annual checks, keep the car clean, and act on any problems fast, you’ll save money in the long-run and help the car hold its value.