The costs of owning, maintaining, and driving your vehicle can be expensive when you pay for gas, washing its exterior, insurance, vehicle loan payments, and oil changes. But whether your vehicle is old or new, it is important to take care of it and manage any regular maintenance and repairs in a timely manner so your vehicle will run better for longer. Here are two tips to help you save money while you maintain your vehicle's oil and take care of its repairs.
Know When You Should Change Your Vehicle's Oil
When you consider the timing of your vehicle's oil changes, you don't always want to follow the 3,000-mile rule and change it that often. Many vehicles, including the newer ones built today have improved technology and mechanical features, allowing the vehicle to run longer on the same oil. This will make it so you do not need to change your vehicle's oil that often.
The environment you drive in every day is another factor that can change how often you need to change your oil. If you drive in a dusty environment, it can cause your vehicle's oil to get dirty faster, requiring more frequent oil changes. Also, if you drive every day with more frequent starts and stops, you may need more frequent oil changes than if you were to drive more miles on the freeway.
It is a good idea to check with your vehicle's dealer for the recommended time between oil changes. For example, one auto company recommends to change one of its vehicle's oil every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Vehicle manufacturers have stated that depending on how you drive your vehicle, it is possible to go 10,000 miles before you need your next oil change. Then, many new-model vehicles will keep track of your vehicle's driving and calculate how much "life" your vehicle's oil still has so you know when it is time for an oil change.
If you drive your vehicle an average of 15,000 miles every year and have your oil changed every 3,000 miles, you will be paying for an oil change five times in one year. But if your vehicle's manufacturer recommends to change your vehicle's oil every 7,500 miles, you will only need to change your oil twice a year. At an average price of $40 for each oil change, you are overspending by $120.
Buy Used Vehicle Parts When Possible
Any work or repairs you can do yourself will save you money in labor expenses. Then, when you can find used replacement parts from a used parts dealer that still work properly, you can save even more money. You can find used vehicle parts online through a multitude of different sellers and shops, or you can visit a local junkyard to find and pick the part yourself. You will usually have to pay a small entrance fee into the junkyard, then pay the cost of the used part you find. Just be sure to wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty, and bring gloves and any tools you will need for removing the part from its original vehicle.
For example, to replace your vehicle's broken side mirror can cost between $200 to $1,500 for a new part from an auto shop or dealership. Then, the cost to paint the mirror's parts to match your vehicle can cost $100. But, if you buy the mirror used, you can expect to pay under $100 for the mirror. Then, with a ratchet tool set, you can remove the broken side mirror and replace it with the used but unbroken mirror.
Use these tips to help you save money while taking care of your vehicle. You can also look online at companies like Apartsmart to find used car parts to save money on repairs.
