Car Maintenance on a Budget
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For many people, cars are a necessity, but they aren't cheap to own. In addition to car payments, gas, and insurance, repairs can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. While you can't prevent every problem that occurs with your vehicle, there are some preventative things you can do. At CreditBox, we've come up with tips for car maintenance on a budget and creating a savings plan for your vehicle.
Don't Skip Car Maintenance
Before you think about creating a savings plan, make sure your regular car maintenance is a priority, even if you're on a budget. Paying for regular oil changes or tire rotations is much cheaper than paying for replacement parts because you didn't maintain your vehicle. Of course, if you can save a little extra, do it in case you need major repairs.
Set a Little Aside at a Time
Most cars cost $500 to $700 a year for regular car care, or a little more if your car is older. Put away $40 to $60 each month, and you'll have it by the end of the year. If you get paid weekly, put $10 to $14 into your savings account each week.
Keep the Money Separated
When you set some money aside for regular car care, don't just put it into your checking or savings account. It's too easy to spend the for other expenses. Set up a free account just for your car, or even put some cash in a jar if you need to. If you designate the money for that purpose, you're more likely to get the maintenance done when it's required instead of putting it off.
Keep Records
Every time you have something done to your car, keep a receipt or record of it. This helps you to stay on top of your car's schedule, rather than accidentally having something done too soon or waiting too long. Keeping records can prevent you from falling prey to dishonest mechanics and paying too much for something.
Find a Mechanic You Trust
Many people don't know much about the way cars work, so it's easy for mechanics to overcharge. If you're on a budget, find a mechanic you can trust. Ask people who live in your area, or check out online reviews. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Approved Auto Repair Network for ratings. Finally, talk to the mechanic about your concerns. If he or she is willing to listen and answer questions, you may have found someone trustworthy. Test the waters by allowing them to do something minor, like changing your oil. If they do a good job and don't overcharge, allow them to take care of bigger repairs and more routine maintenance.
At CreditBox, we know that car repairs can pop up at the worst possible time. Don't get stuck without a vehicle because you don't have a car care savings plan. Instead, visit the CreditBox website, and apply today for a fast and secure installment loan.
Don't Skip Car Maintenance
Before you think about creating a savings plan, make sure your regular car maintenance is a priority, even if you're on a budget. Paying for regular oil changes or tire rotations is much cheaper than paying for replacement parts because you didn't maintain your vehicle. Of course, if you can save a little extra, do it in case you need major repairs.
Set a Little Aside at a Time
Most cars cost $500 to $700 a year for regular car care, or a little more if your car is older. Put away $40 to $60 each month, and you'll have it by the end of the year. If you get paid weekly, put $10 to $14 into your savings account each week.
Keep the Money Separated
When you set some money aside for regular car care, don't just put it into your checking or savings account. It's too easy to spend the for other expenses. Set up a free account just for your car, or even put some cash in a jar if you need to. If you designate the money for that purpose, you're more likely to get the maintenance done when it's required instead of putting it off.
Keep Records
Every time you have something done to your car, keep a receipt or record of it. This helps you to stay on top of your car's schedule, rather than accidentally having something done too soon or waiting too long. Keeping records can prevent you from falling prey to dishonest mechanics and paying too much for something.
Find a Mechanic You Trust
Many people don't know much about the way cars work, so it's easy for mechanics to overcharge. If you're on a budget, find a mechanic you can trust. Ask people who live in your area, or check out online reviews. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Approved Auto Repair Network for ratings. Finally, talk to the mechanic about your concerns. If he or she is willing to listen and answer questions, you may have found someone trustworthy. Test the waters by allowing them to do something minor, like changing your oil. If they do a good job and don't overcharge, allow them to take care of bigger repairs and more routine maintenance.
At CreditBox, we know that car repairs can pop up at the worst possible time. Don't get stuck without a vehicle because you don't have a car care savings plan. Instead, visit the CreditBox website, and apply today for a fast and secure installment loan.
