Owning a vehicle is much more expensive today than it was a few years ago. The cost of fuel, insurance, repairs, and financing has risen, all of which impact the final price of the vehicle. Drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles spend thousands of dollars a year to operate them. However, to help you cut down on these expenses, we will share some simple car maintenance hacks from American Automobile Association (AAA) that you can easily put into practice!
Check Your Tire Pressure Once a Month
When a tire is under-inflated, it creates more resistance, requiring the engine to consume more fuel to operate the vehicle. Furthermore, maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures even wear, thereby extending the tire’s lifespan. Since most vehicles naturally lose air over the course of a month, you should regularly check the tire pressure. The AAA recommends checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long road trip, and always when they’re cold.
Stop Paying Premium for Fuel Your Vehicle Doesn’t Need
Vehicle owners often assume premium gasoline is better for their cars, but in reality, these vehicles are designed to run perfectly on regular unleaded fuel. Unless the manufacturer’s manual specifically requires it, you’re good to go. This can save you a few hundred dollars a year, but be sure to follow that guidance. According to AAA, using a higher-octane fuel than your manufacturer recommends is a waste of money, while using a lower-octane fuel can damage your engine.
Replace Engine Air Filters Yourself
One of the simplest vehicle maintenance tasks is replacing the engine air filter. This is one of the quickest car maintenance hacks. In less than ten minutes, you can swap it for a new one, improving engine airflow without paying dealership prices. Be sure to buy the correct filter designed for your car. AAA encourages to replace them because it will reduce the engine’s maximum power output. They also add that an air filter may be good for 20,000 miles or more between changes.
Compare Auto Insurance Every Year
Insurance companies adjust their prices and the discounts they offer, so remaining loyal to a single insurer won’t necessarily get you the best price on the market. Car maintenance hacks also include reviewing your insurance regularly. You should check other companies, as finding a cheaper option could save you hundreds of dollars a year. It is also important to consider the limits of each type of coverage. The AAA notes that auto insurance policies offer different protections like liability coverage, collisions, and comprehensive add-ons.
Learn How to Replace Windshield Wipers Yourself
Windshield wipers are an inexpensive and simple item to replace on a car. Simple car maintenance hacks like this improve visibility. In fact, some retailers install them for free after you buy a vehicle. If your car’s wipers are worn out, they could cause scratches. The AAA recommends replacing your windshield wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, or even sooner if you notice signs of wear, as harsh UV rays can quickly deteriorate the rubber.
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Combine Errands Into One Trip
You should try to organize your weekly errands and complete them in as few car trips as possible. This is one of those car maintenance hacks that also saves fuel. Cold engines require significantly more fuel than engines that are already warmed up. Within typical driving parameters, short trips consume more gasoline than a single long trip. The AAA suggests aiming for 30 seconds or less of idling before driving if your car is traditional gas-powered.
Keep Up With Oil Changes
If you delay your vehicle’s oil change, you will cause excessive wear on the engine, which can lead to costly repairs. Regular oil changes are essential car maintenance hacks. Modern synthetic oils last much longer than older types, but they still need to be replaced. AAA recommends changing your engine oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or every 6 months. They also note that for modern vehicles using full synthetic oil, this interval often stretches to 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Remove Unnecessary Weight From Your Vehicle
Carrying heavy items in your car, such as tools, sports equipment, or storage bins, will negatively affect fuel economy. Among the best car maintenance hacks is reducing unnecessary weight. All vehicles have a recommended maximum payload, as specified in the manufacturer’s manual. You should know that lightweight vehicles generally consume less fuel. AAA notes that removing excess weight from your vehicle improves fuel economy, saving about 1% for every 100 pounds removed. They recommend decluttering your trunk, removing roof racks and emptying cargo areas.
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Learn a Few Basic DIY Repairs
Replacing cabin air filters, the battery, headlight bulbs, windshield wipers, and engine air filters are some of the DIY repairs you can tackle if you have never helped maintain your car. These car maintenance hacks will save you hundreds of dollars a year, but you also need to know when a problem requires a professional. AAA mentions that all these tasks require minimal tools, and only a few minutes to complete.
Use Gas Price Apps Before Filling Up
Fuel prices can vary significantly within the same city, so mobile apps can show you the nearest gas station with the best prices. This is one of the easiest car maintenance hacks to follow. If these small savings become habits, you could save hundreds of dollars a year. Planning when to fill up can help you cut costs. The AAA has a mobile app that shows, in real-time, GPS where to fill up the tank taking into account the lowest fuel prices.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
Sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, or accelerating at any point works against fuel efficiency. Ideally, you should maintain a steady cruising speed. This also prevents unnecessary wear on your tires and brakes. These are simple car maintenance hacks that affect not only your wallet but also the cost of maintaining your car.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule Instead of Guessing
The owner’s manual specifies the service intervals your car requires. Following it is one of the easiest car maintenance hacks. Skipping them could compromise your vehicle’s lifespan or damage expensive components. Replacing engine fluids or belts, for example, is inexpensive; failing to do so, however, could lead to a much costlier breakdown later on. AAA recommends servicing your vehicle every 6 months or every 5,000 – 8,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Bigger Picture – Why It Matters
Being able to control the expenses your vehicle generates is a great way to save money. You need to adopt these habits to ensure better maintenance, smart driving, and a more prudent approach to insurance costs. These car maintenance hacks can make a difference. Most of these tips require no upfront investment to implement; this way, you will save money and keep your vehicle on the road longer.
