As a car owner, you will know that running a car can be expensive. When you take out the initial purchase price you are still regularly paying for fuel, MOTs, services and extra maintenance work. This can add up to a lot per month.
Fuel costs are particularly concerning at present, with October seeing petrol prices rise for the fourth month in a row. This trend has been caused by a renewed surge in oil prices, which has in turn been exacerbated by Hamas’s attack on Israel, the subsequent conflict in Palestine and worries about the sustainability of global crude oil supplies.
However, there are some things you can do yourself to keep your car in top condition. This will help to reduce the maintenance costs you are paying which could be put towards upgrading your car in the long run, while they include the following:
Regular services
Unless you are a car mechanic, you may not be aware of exactly what goes on under the hood. This is where mechanics come into play. Although it is not a legal requirement, it is recommended you get a service every year or 12,000 miles.
By getting your car serviced regularly they will be able to spot any issues early on which could mean it’ll cost you less to fix. If you leave an issue, or it goes undiagnosed, then you run the risk of a hefty repair bill.
Change your own tyres
Changing your own tyres may seem like a difficult or intimidating task but it is something you can do. Although it doesn’t happen often, if you were to get a flat or puncture taking it to a mechanic can be expensive.
Purchase your own trolley jack so that you can lift your car and learn how to change a tyre. You should practice on your driveway before you have to use this skill on the roads, though. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there and you will probably be able to find one for your specific make and model to ease any worries. If you are particularly nervous enlist the help of an experienced family member who can guide you through the process and check you replace it properly.
Changing oil
Low or contaminated oil in your engine can cause a whole host of problems for your car. Depending on your car you should be changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you drive a lot, this could mean frequent trips to the garage that will add up to a small fortune. By doing it yourself you could save the garage costs and your time.
It is also important that you use the correct oil in your car. The manual in your car will tell you the right type for your make and model. 10W-30 is the most common oil as it is suitable for most car types as well as providing protection in both hot and cold weather.