Second only to our house, our car is the next biggest single purchase we’ve made. We keep it well maintained to make sure it lasts us as long as possible, but we also look for ways to reduce the costs of driving a car.
Shiny and Used?
To reduce the cost of driving, our most important gain came from buying a used car. Buying a car that’s two to three years old avoids the initial hit of depreciation and it will likely still have some warranty. While our car is no longer under warranty now, the money we saved will more than cover any repairs that may come up.
Get a Check-Up
We always get our oil changed right on schedule. For many cars, it should be done every 5,000 kms or 3 months. We often find oil change coupons or package discounts in the mail and take advantage of them.
We also ensure the fluid levels are topped up. Whether it’s coolant (to make sure the car doesn’t overheat), or windshield washer (to keep your vision clear in the spring when the roads are a mess), all the fluids play an important role in protecting our car and thus our family.
Under Pressure
It’s a good idea to check the tire pressure once a month and fill as needed. Having the proper pressure not only makes our tires last longer, but also helps us save money on gas. However, I found that inflating tires with nitrogen was not worth the extra expense.
While not everyone will be comfortable with doing some of these maintenance tips themselves, it’s good to be aware of these steps and get a good mechanic to take care of your car to help it last longer.
Tom Drake is the owner and head writer behind Canadian Finance Blog and also works as a financial analyst for a major retailer. Tom and his wife Amanda welcomed their beautiful baby boy Christian in October of 2009. To read more of Tom’s posts, subscribe to Canadian Finance Blog’s RSS feed and follow @CanadianFinance on Twitter.