By Christen N. McCluney
August 22, 2011
Owning a car is big responsibility. Between insurance, gas and regular upkeep it can be an expense that totally taps into your budget. As a driver I’m good with filling the tank, getting it serviced and keeping it clean but us ladies tend to get a bad rap when it comes to taking care of our cars.
By following a few tips we can keep our cars running smoothly and cut back on major costs and repairs:
Keep your tires properly inflated. Getting a flat is never fun, especially when you are rocking a cute outfit and your favorite heels. By checking your tire pressure regularly you can help prevent unexpected flat tires. Most service stations have tire pressure gauges located on air pumps, or you can pick up one at your local hardware store for a few bucks and keep it in your car. If you don’t know to check your pressure ask a car care professional to show you or check out this how-to video from Edmunds.com.
Check your fluids. Just like it’s important for people to stay hydrated, cars also need fluids to keep going. Have your oil changed and also get your radiator, transmission and windshield wiper fluid checked every 3000 to 5000 miles. If you really want to be budget friendly learn how to do it yourself. It’s really simple and only takes a few minutes.
Pay attention to warning signs. Often times smells, sounds or leaking fluids coming from your car are indications there are bigger issues. If something seems abnormal take your car in to get it checked. Acknowledging that tiny squeak when you first hear it could save you hundreds of dollars in the end.
By following these basic tips and driving with care you can help reduce major repairs and know your car is operating the way it should be.
Christen McCluney 