A car costs you money from the day you decide to buy one. Petrol, insurance, toll fees, maintenance and a wash once in a while – it all adds up. Not to mention the fact that it starts decreasing in value the very moment you drive it away from where you purchased it. That being said, with a little love and care they’ll be able to drive you around for many years.
So, is there any way in which you can cut the costs of maintaining your car?
Yes! Firstly, compare car insurance quotes, but not just from different car insurance companies, also look at the different products available. Analyse your needs and budget, then compare insurance products accordingly. Secondly, there are a couple of maintenance necessities you can do yourself, but you should still take your car for a service annually.
We’ve put together a “how-to” guide on a couple of general car DIY’s. It’s important to note that all cars are different, which means that the steps may vary, so refer to your car’s manual.
You never know when you’ll get caught in a storm so you should always be prepared. A good rule of thumb is to change your windscreen wipers every 6 to 12 months. You can buy them at your local hardware store or you can even try the bigger supermarkets. The package should have basic instructions, or you can ask a store employee for help. You can also visit YouTube, if you’re a little unsure.
It is advisable to change your oil every 5 000 to 8 000 kilometres. Before you start, remember to never change the oil while the car is hot.
If you’re still unsure, try YouTube.
Always ensure that the tools in your car, as well as your spare tyre are in a good condition. When changing a tyre next to the road – make sure you’re safe. Sometimes it’s better to slowly drive to the nearest petrol station with a flat tyre rather than to chance it on the side of the road.
If you still are a little unsure on how to change a tyre, search for videos.
All steps other than changing a tyre were taken from moneycrashers.com.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.