So, not that I’ve ever been rolling in enough dough to afford a new car every three years, but recently I’ve been more concerned about keeping my car on the road. Instead of boring you with tales of financial woe and whatnot, let’s stick to the tried (or tired) and true slogan: Times are Tough. And when said times are tough, any tips on how to keep our vehicles running without forking over our life’s savings are feverishly welcomed. Here are 3 cheap and easy ways I’ve found to keep every car, truck or SUV in top shape:
1.) Change the oil.
What, too obvious? Afraid not, my friend. Many drivers neglect to change their oil and oil filters at the suggested intervals, and it costs them big down the road. If you don’t change your oil regularly, the following things WILL (not might) occur: you’ll burn fuel less efficiently, your vehicle will run weak and rough, and, eventually, your engine will fail. Why? Because oil is the life blood of your motor.
The good news is that oil changes are pretty cheap. Your local auto shop can probably get the job done for under $50, which is way less than what it costs to replace a blown head gasket. Or, you can change the oil and the oil filter yourself for around $10. And, if you stick to your maintenance schedule, changing the oil prevents countless problems and keeps your ride on the road longer.
2.) Drive responsibly.
Boring, I know. But, if you can lay off the gas pedal and stop stomping your brakes, you can add years to your vehicle’s life. Erratic driving, hard stops, slamming into curbs and the like take a toll on your engine not to mention your brakes and brake pads, your tires and your suspension system. The trick? Drive like you’ve got a baby on board and you’ll be fine. (Don’t worry: no one will make you slap on the ridiculous sticker.)
3.) Maintain proper tire pressure.
The 2008 Presidential Campaign made this one a bit infamous. But the truth remains that maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the best ways to gain maximum fuel efficiency, prolong the life of your tires, and maintain your vehicle’s performance.
Okay, so maybe the list isn’t groundbreaking. It certainly isn’t complicated. But, as with so many things in life, the simplest answer is often the best. And when it comes to keeping my car on the road, I’ll take simple, cheap and easy year after year (after year, after year, after year.).
This article was provided by Andrew of autoanything.com, offering discounts on Auto Parts online.
