1. Failing To Change Oil And Filters And Other Simple Maintenance
If you think you’re saving money by passing up on basic maintenance like oil and filter change, think again. Because what you refused to pay for now, means thousands of dollars in auto repair bills tomorrow due to major damage or malfunction.
2. Not Asking For Your Parts Back
Seeing your old parts if the only guarantee that they have been, indeed, replaced. Don’t just rely on the mechanic saying it’s already done, see it for yourself. Otherwise you’d be paying for new parts that are not even placed on your vehicle. So you basically just gave your money away for nothing in return.
3. Not Communicating With Your Mechanic Properly
Being a car owner doesn’t automatically make you an expert at cars and car servicing. So don’t get ahead of your mechanic. Let him diagnose your car and say what needs to be done instead of the other way around. This way you’re not taking more money out of your pocket for needless repairs.
4. Driving On Bald Or Under/Over Inflated Tires
This means they shouldn’t be overinflated nor underinflated. Otherwise they’ll wear out faster than they typically should and will affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. To avoid this, check your owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure and always stick to that. It’s best to check your tires’ pressure at least once a month but do it more often if you always go on long trips or you carry heavy loads all the time.
5. Telling Your Mechanic What To Replace
Being a car owner doesn’t automatically make you an expert at cars and car servicing. So don’t get ahead of your mechanic. Let him diagnose your car and say what needs to be done instead of the other way around. This way you’re not taking more money out of your pocket for needless repairs.
6. Taking Your Car To The Mechanic For Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself
There are a lot of car repairs that you can definitely take care of like dead battery, oil change, windshield wipers, headlights, and air filter. Aside from that you get to save money, you are guaranteed that it’s really being fixed, you get to hone your car repair skills, and most importantly you become more and more self-sufficient.
We’re all guilty of this sometimes. It’s either we’re too busy or we simply assume it’s nothing serious. But this habit is actually the reason we get ambushed with major problems. If you listen to your car when it’s whispering, you won’t have to hear it scream.
8. Driving On Fumes
When cars had carburetors, you could drive them until all the gas was gone, refuel, and drive again with no problem. However, cars nowadays are mostly fuel injected engines that rely on in-tank electric pumps that use the gas to cool and lubricate their components. With these kinds of cars, driving on fumes can lead to pump failure which can be a very costly repair.
9. Going To A Dealership When An Independent Mechanic Will Do
Do not be afraid to seek a car servicing shop near your location or try one that is recommended by a friend or family member because of warranty. If your mechanic uses quality parts and you keep the paper, there shouldn’t be any problem. Just make sure you’re on your mechanic’s good side and he’ll surely take care of your vehicle.
10. Not Comparing Shops And Price Quotes
Don’t just settle with a known shop because it’s where everybody buys their car stuff. Always shop around and compare price and quality. Sometimes a different store offer discounts that other stores don’t or carry better kinds of tires. Until you find the best one for your needs and budget, keep looking around.
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