My husband and I just had a truck that broke down and we didn’t have any emergency funds set aside for a disaster like this. Keep in mind; this is the truck that also got him to and from work every single day. Therefore, we were in a real pickle, but we managed to get ourselves out of it. I can tell you now, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a vehicle break down and then you have to pay tons of money for vehicle repairs. It’s a royal pain, so I’m going to give you some tips that will help you save money when it comes to vehicle repairs. That way, you keep your money in your purse and not in the hands of a mechanic.
The main thing when it comes to saving money on vehicle repairs is doing your best to take care of your vehicle and keep it properly maintained. A minor problem with a vehicle can turn into a major problem down the road if the minor problem isn’t taken care of quickly and efficiently. Trust me; a major vehicle problem can drain your wallet very quickly, so you want to avoid major problems in general. To do this, you have to take certain precautions, so you decrease your chances of encountering any major problems. Also, some minor problems can be fixed without the assistance of a mechanic.
Now, all of that being said, I’m going to go over some tips that will help you save cash on vehicle repairs.
#1. Replace Your Vehicle’s Air Filter
A dirty air filter can really hinder your vehicle’s performance drastically. Replacing an old, worn out air filter with a new, clean air filter will increase your vehicle’s gas mileage and power. Also, replacing an air filter is quite cheap and easy to do. Simply slide out the old filter and insert the new one. After that, you’re ready for the fast lane.
#2. Change Your Oil
I know a lot of people that simply forgot to change their oil on a regular basis and it caused their engine to become faulty. At that point, your vehicle is best suited for a junk yard decoration. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have your oil changed on a regular basis. Look over your owner’s manual to see how often your vehicle requires an oil change. An oil change typically costs less than $25 and it can be done in less than 15 minutes at a reputable shop.
#3. Have Your Spark Plugs Checked
Replacing spark plugs is cheap and easy. Better spark plugs can enable you to get more gas mileage out of your vehicle and your vehicle will run much smoother.
#4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers
There are some things you can skimp on in life to save money, but one thing you should never skimp on is your own safety. If your windshield wipers aren’t performing well, you should replace them with a new pair. Do not let the mechanic do this, because they’ll charge you a decent bit for a very simple job. Instead, you should replace the wipers yourself. The instructions are on the back of the box and will only take a couple minutes.
#5. Replace Your Own Headlight or Bulb
Do you have a headlight bulb out? If so, it’s pretty simple to replace the bulb yourself or the entire headlight if you have sealed beam headlights. This typically takes less than five minutes.
