pinch those pennies when it comes to your car

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by janelle in penny pinchin'

MSN has a great article on the ways we spend too much on our cars. Loving our car a little too much or not showing it enough love can both result in spending too much. Here’s MSN’s list of 20 ways we waste cash on our vehicles…

Premium gas instead of regular. Buy the cheapest gasoline that doesn’t make your car engine knock. A grade higher than the maker of your car recommends is not a “treat.”
3,000-mile oil changes. Manufacturers typically suggest 5,000 miles, 7,500 miles or maybe even longer intervals. (Now, this is does differ depending on how you use your car)
Taking false economies. For example, replace something like your timing belt on the manufacturer’s schedule. By not replacing it, you risk having it break and causing quite a bit of damage to your car - spending more than the replacement.
Using the dealer’s maintenance schedule instead of the factory’s. Stick to the manufacturer’s schedule unless your car is not running well.
Using a dealer for major services. Independent shops almost always will do the same work much cheaper.
Using a dealer for oil changes. Dealers sometimes specials, but otherwise you’ll usually find oil changes cheaper elsewhere.
Not replacing your air filter and wiper blades yourself. Buy them on sale at a discount auto-parts store. Replacement is simple for either part, a 5-minute job.
Going to any old repair shop. At the very least, make sure it’s ASE-certified.
Changing your antifreeze every winter. Change it only when a hydrometer suggests it will no longer withstand temperatures 30 degrees below the coldest your area sees in winter. Your shop should be happy to check this out for free.
Replacing tires when you should be replacing shocks. If your tires are wearing unevenly or peculiarly, your car may be out of alignment or your shocks or struts worn out.
Letting a brake squeal turn into a brake job. Pads thicker than a quarter-inch are probably fine. If your brakes emit a constant, high-pitched whine and the pads are thinner than a quarter-inch, replace them. If your car shimmies or you feel grinding through the pedal, then your brake rotors need to be turned or replaced.
Not complaining when your warranty claim is rejected. Check appropriate sources to see if a technical service bulletin has been issued about the component in question. Manufacturers often will repair known defects outside the warranty period. Be sure you’ve done your homework though and haven’t been a jerk.
Not keeping records.A logbook of every repair done to your car can help you decide if something’s seriously out of whack.
Buying an extended warranty. Most manufacturers allow you to wait until just before the regular warranty expires to decide. By then you should know whether your car is troublesome enough to require the extended warranty. Most of them aren’t worth the price.
Overinsuring. Never skimp on liability, but why buy collision and comprehensive insurance on a junker you can probably afford to replace?
Assuming the problem is major. If your car is overheating but you don’t see a busted hose or lots of steam, it might be the $5 thermostat, not your radiator.
Not changing the fuel filter. Have it replaced as a part of your maintenance.
Not knowing how to change a tire. Have you even looked at your spare? Make sure it’s up to snuff and all the parts of your jack are there.
Not keeping your tires properly inflated. Check them once a month; otherwise, you’re wasting gasoline, risking a blowout and wearing them out more quickly.
Car washes. Ten bucks for long lines and gray water? Nothing shows you care like doing it yourself.