Slacking on car maintenance will cost you
If you’ve been avoiding car maintenance or repairs because you can’t afford it, you may end up paying more money in the end.
Avoiding routine car maintenance could cause more serious problems that are costly to repair.
Keep an eye on these four things, and you’ll save money in the long run.
1. Check your car’s fluids: Once a month, check your car’s engine oil, antifreeze coolant and fluids for power steering, transmission and brakes. Low, dirty or leaking fluids are often one of the top simple problems that can result in having to pay big bucks if not monitored.
2. Assess the hoses and belts: Excess wear on your car’s hoses and belts can cause them to fail, leaving you stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down car. When the engine is cold, do a monthly visual check to see if there are signs such as cracks or fraying.
3. Check the battery: The battery is a key component of the car, yet it wears and can become loose over time. During your monthly car maintenance inspection, check the battery connections, cleaning and tightening them if necessary.
4. Pay attention to warning lights: Read your owner’s manual to understand what each of the warning lights means, and when one lights up, address it promptly. Even if the car seems to be running fine, ignoring it can cause computer issues or decreased fuel economy.
