Check Your Car Regularly
A car tune-up is similar to a standard doctor's appointment. The purpose is to make your vehicle run at its best. Most vehicle manuals recommend scheduling a tune-up every two to three years, or every 30,000 miles.
A good mechanic examines several key elements in a car's engine. These include spark plug replacement and installing new air filters. They will also check your car's emissions levels.
Purchase Spare Tires as Back-Up
Don't replace tires individually. Purchase them as part of a set of four every time. This ensures that your vehicle handles evenly. Be careful about mix-and-matching seasonal tires with each other.
Don't combine summer tires with winter tires that have a more durable tread. What happens when just one or two tires wear out? Tire service can assess the tires' status and then replace them for you.
Take Advantage of Sales on Replacement Parts
Make sure to always have replacement parts on hand. One of the most important parts is brake pads since those directly impact the vehicle's safety. These should be replaced about every 50,000 miles.
Don't settle for generic products. New parts should match the vehicle's make and model exactly. Thankfully these are not as expensive as they may seem. Local dealerships may run sales or recommend cheaper alternatives at reputable sellers.
Purchase Car Insurance
Get insurance that matches both your local climate and how much driving you do. Most states require you to at least have liability insurance. This covers both driver and vehicle in the case of an accident.
Another common type of insurance is a comprehensive insurance policy. This covers vehicle issues beyond accidents. Issues include hail or storm damage, fire, and theft. Some policies will even cover animal damage such as running over a deer.
Vehicle concerns can sometimes be mitigated by the model itself. Set a budget and then research car types that are known to be durable and have great gas mileage. Understand what parts tend to wear down more quickly. Develop a good relationship with your dealer and mechanic to get additional advice on upkeep. It helps you and others stay safe on the road.
