Car maintenance, though absolutely essential for your safety, can often be extremely costly. According to a recent news report, one in four drivers would not be able to afford a repair bill over $2,000. Additionally, AAA reports that 50% of Americans say they’re keeping older vehicles that they know need repairs, but it’s a bill they just can’t afford.
It’s not unusual for a maintenance bill to add up to over $1,000. AAA reported that transmission repairs average between $2,000 and $4,000, with other major repairs adding up over $5,000. The following is a list of tips that may save you money the next time your wheels require work:
–You can go longer between oil changes. Gone are the days when you had to check your oil every 3,000 miles. According to car experts, most new models (2010 and newer) need an oil change every 7,800 miles.
–Black oil is okay. Most have heard that if you check your oil on your dipstick and it’s black, you change it. But Edmunds.com reports that oil is supposed to be that color, so don’t rush the oil change.
–Get your brakes checked. Consumer Reports suggests that if your brake fluid is low, instead of topping it off, head to a repair shop and get your brakes checked. This may save you a lot of money further down the road.
–Keep your battery going. New vehicles charge more devices than older ones do, so if your battery dies, let your car run for a half-hour to get it to hold a charge. If it still doesn’t by then, get your battery checked out. Also, keep your receipts from your battery purchases in your glove compartment. Most companies offer 6 or 7 year warranties.
As a car crash attorney in Los Angeles, I hope you’ve found these tips to be helpful. I do recommend getting your car routinely maintained in order to be safe on the road. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that driving a faulty car can lead to deadly consequences.