This post will be dealing with basic car care tips. Why? Because more and more people are down on their luck. I'm seeing more and more people having to live out of their cars for a while due to the crappy economy.
The last thing folks like to spend money on is maintenance, either home or car. If you get to the point that you WILL be losing your house and your credit sucks and you have no family/friends willing to help you, then you may find yourself having to live out of your car for a time.
Preventive maintenance is a good idea because, although you spend a little now, you may save a lot later. A tranny replacement runs about 2-3 grand and many other major repairs run into the hundreds of dollars. This is why regular vehicle maintenance IS important. Most people just get their oil changed at regular intervals, but changing you other fluids and having your transmission serviced at regular intervals is critically important.
When you are hurting for money and are having trouble with paying your basic utilities etc., the last thing you want to spend your small available surplus cash on is car care. Buck up, get some fiscal discipline and do it!! I am not exaggerating when I say that some of you reading this may, at some point in the not too distant future, may find yourself with nothing but your car and a few other meager possessions. You want your car in good running condition.
The following videos deal with routine maintenance issues and ways to improve gas mileage. Some of it is really basic, but I hope it is useful info for some of y'all.
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Comments
Keep weatherstripping clean; I use baby wipes which have lanolin in them. Some commercial rubber cleaners have solvents which actually break down the rubber.
Make sure you replace windshield wiper blades too. An initial outlay now can save you an accident.
Get your winter survival kit ready to: a blanket, chocolate, a candle, matches. I also like the idea of a roll of bright tape - if you ever go off a road, make an X on the roof so people can find you.
And I hope nobody ever goes off the road.
Good blog. Thanks.
Doing things like changing the oil and oil filter or flushing the radiator and changing coolant can be done by the owner....it really isn't that hard and will save you a ton of money when you do it yourself. Even something as simple as checking the air in your tires will save you money on gas as you will get better gas milage if you keep the tires properly inflated.
GReat tips as usual...Rated.
I always take my vehicle to the same place ( a dealership, nonetheless) and have built a relationship with them. They will offer me advertised discounts that I wasn't aware of, and recently I had to replace my gas cap (first time ever, I idiotically drove off with the hose still in the tank--I know...I know...) and they installed the new one for FREE! Did NOT even charge me for the part (Would have been about $200).
As a single woman, it's nice to know not all mechanics will try to rip you off. Having a balance of "nice" and "assertive" doesn't hurt either.
:-)
A tire pressure gauge only costs a couple of bucks and when used regularly can make a huge difference in the longevity of tires, fuel economy, handling of the vehicle and safety.
Going easier on the gas pedal from a standing stop is a hard thing to learn but can save a gallon of gas a week.
And why drive 80 when 70 will get you there nearly as quick (unless you destination is 1000 miles away) and will improve fuel economy nearly 10%.
The owner's manual is there for a purpose. Use it.
Spotted, You're single!?! Well, I guess since there are so few decent guys out there...............but you also own a Glock!! An armed hottie, I better get my thoughts back on the straight and narrow before the wife beats me to a pulp.
More excellent advice Walter. I'm going to post one of your Cheap Bastid recipies soon.