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How to Repair Your Car on a Budget in Quarantine
Adding another expense to your already piling bills is the last thing you need during this pandemic. However, if it involves your car, your main mode of transportation, it has to be addressed right away. Here are some tips that can help you cut down on those car repairs.
1. Follow the maintenance schedule
Part of your car budget should include the yearly maintenance it requires. Automotive service centers are considered essential business so if you feel like it’s time for a routine maintenance check, you can take your car there. Just be aware that these shops may have reduced hours and staffed by skeleton crews.
Look up the make, model, and year of your car to find out how often it needs to be maintained. The parts that need checking will include tires, oil, batteries, and brakes. Your mechanic will check for components that require maintenance. This can help prevent bigger damage which will end up costing you more later on.
2. Learn minor fixes
There has never been a better opportunity to learn something new than now. Why not take this time to learn how to do minor fixes? There are plenty of tutorials you can search for online. You can learn how to grease your vehicle, rotate your tires, and replace your engine oil and filters.
Normally, these kinds of fixes are done by your local mechanic but if you can do them yourself, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. You’ll also have a longer-lasting car since you’re able to spot little problems right away.
Just don’t make the mistake of trying to do major repairs yourself. These are what automotive services are for. They are more capable of performing more complicated services like replacing transmission and differential oils, replacing brake and clutch fluid, replacing bearing grease, etc.
3. Get a second opinion
If your car requires a major repair, consider seeking out multiple shops that are reputable. You don’t want to settle for the initial quote given to you by the first repair shop. It also helps if they are familiar with your type of vehicle. This means they can handle your car better at a price you can afford and provide you with recommendations on auto products to buy based on your needs.
For example, if year-round driving is important to you, they can help you choose a durable tire for any type of weather. If cosmetic issues bother you a lot, they can provide quick-fix solutions that you can do at home.
4. Start your car or go for a drive
You may not be using your car as much now that we are required to stay at home. This doesn’t mean you should leave it idle. Make sure the engine’s internal components are well-lubricated with oil. Then start your car and leave it running until it’s at operating temperature.
A better alternative would be to take it around for a drive, even just around the block. Do this once a week. This will help keep your battery charged as well as the lubrication circulating around key components.
5. Skip the unnecessary repairs
Some car repairs are more important than others. For now, you can hold off on certain repairs. For example, if you simply want to replace your tires, consider waiting a little longer. You’re not going to be using your car for long distance drives so the skipping out on that maintenance won’t do any harm. If it’s time for an oil change, maybe pass on that too. As long as you don’t defer for more than 1,000 miles, your car will be fine.
6. Secure your car
Car theft has drastically increased during this shut down. What’s worse than having a broken car is a stolen car. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you by keeping your car locked and secured in the garage. This prevents car thieves from wanting to steal or vandalize your car.
Which of these tips did you find the most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.