Top 7 tips on how to make servicing your car cheaper
Contemporary automobiles are costly and intricate machines, built to endure for an extended period and boast a remarkable longevity. With proper maintenance and cautious use, these vehicles have the potential to serve their owners for several decades. Nonetheless, as time progresses, the financial burden of upkeep and parts replacement can become a significant strain for car owners. It’s crucial to grasp a fundamental fact: vehicle owners, regardless of their car’s brand, are capable of performing basic maintenance tasks. Essentially, all vehicles demand a similar level of care and upkeep. Our guidance will assist you in economizing on maintenance expenses, whether you’re driving a pre-owned Toyota or a brand-new BMW straight from the dealership.
Don’t skimp on service
No matter how paradoxical it may sound, you should not save on car repairs and maintenance from specialists. You also shouldn’t save money when replacing parts at a service center. At first glance, car detailing in a professional car workshop may seem expensive. However, professionals in their field will do everything in the best possible way, with high quality, and with a guarantee. This means that your car will be protected from rust for a long time, and will also have a pleasant appearance. Today, ceramic coating is becoming popular in the UAE, which is used to cover even the most expensive cars, because it will protect the paintwork from damage and scratches. Covering your car with a protective film or ceramic coating is much cheaper and more profitable than repainting the entire car, much less repairing the body from holes due to rust.
Checking and adding technical fluids
What exactly, where, and how to check is clearly described in the instructions that come with your car. It is in the “manual” that a list of the oils and other technical fluids used is given, as well as recommendations for checking them. Periodic monitoring of their level and condition, as well as timely replacement, is an indispensable condition for ensuring your safety and long and trouble-free vehicle service.
Checking the cooling system hoses and aftermarket belts
After making sure that all fluids are in order and the caps on their reservoirs are closed, take a closer look at the accessory belt and rubber hoses of the engine cooling system.
The belt is extremely important for the normal functioning of many vehicle systems. Its break will lead to the shutdown of the generator, air conditioning, and power steering (if equipped). Left without charging the battery, you can drive only a few tens of kilometers before the car is completely immobilized. A belt is a cheap part with limited service life, but if it breaks far from civilization, it will require expensive transportation by a tow truck or towing on a rope, and often also the purchase of a new battery.
Also, inspect all hoses and pipes of the cooling system – they should not have cracks or leaks. Pay special attention to the clamp area. For a thorough check, we recommend squeezing the hoses tightly with your hand and bending them in different directions.
Change your windshield wiper blades yourself
Worn windshield wiper blades are no less dangerous than “dead” tires. Visibility in adverse weather conditions depends on them. Dealers and car manufacturers profit from them by inventing the most unimaginable fastening systems and selling branded brushes for exorbitant amounts of money.
Clean battery terminals
The battery terminals oxidize during operation, which leads to deterioration of charging, and often to other troubles associated with incorrect operation of the on-board network. Every motorist can fix this problem. You will need a pair of wrenches, sandpaper, and a few minutes of free time.
Polish your headlights yourself
Headlights on modern cars are often made of plastic. Over the years they become cloudy and covered with scratches. Meanwhile, the safety and comfort of driving in the dark depend on them. Remember that polycarbonate can be sanded perfectly not only in car centers but also at home. It is not at all necessary to replace the headlights with new ones or go to a specialized workshop.
Change your oils yourself
Anyone can change their engine or transmission oil. In the worst-case scenario, you will need to remove the crankcase guard. However, you usually only need one key – for the drain plug. This simplest operation is completed in a few minutes and eliminates traditional doubts: did they change the oil and filter at the service, and if they did, then to what exactly?
Conclusion
Some trivial and simple actions can keep your car in good condition, which means saving you money on maintenance and repairs. You should regularly make car scanning and diagnostics, which will allow you to know about breakdowns in advance and prevent even greater damage to your car.
