4 essential tips to control your car maintenance expenses

A natural skill of Filipinos is the ability to manage expenses just so everything stays within the budget. It's not an easy task to do, with the current state of the country’s economy. A typical family will usually set aside the biggest portion of the budget for essentials such as food and utility bills.

For families that own vehicles, however, they need to take their budgeting techniques to the next level. With the cost of living these days no longer as affordable as they used to, owning a vehicle can only add to one's long list of expenses.

Vehicle parts and servicing are expensive and the prices can even go up higher if the component in question is particularly hard to find, the same thing with more complicated or labor-intensive procedures.

It's already common knowledge that observing proper maintenance increases your car's long-term reliability, by minimizing the likelihood of your car breaking down at the most inopportune times. However, it's still cold comfort, considering how much you shell out every time you pay a visit whether to your favored auto care facility or suking talyer.

If you’re having trouble with making your car maintenance budget go the distance, there are a number of low-cost or even free maintenance techniques that you can resort to. Remember though, that these are not intended to replace proper maintenance checks, only serving as temporary fixes until you get the necessary funds (hopefully sooner than later). Philkotse.com has compiled a list of these temporary maintenance fixes.

1. DIY car maintenance

If you are bold enough, you can take some time to learn some basic maintenance routines yourself. It will only require a little time, the necessary tools, a bit of skill, and a healthy dose of common sense.

There is a wide selection of informative content on the internet, or if you'd rather go analog, you can even browse through printed material, most notably your car's user manual.

This little bible of sorts should be your primary source of information on basic maintenance checks that you can perform yourself, such as bulb changes or fluid top-ups. 

There are car maintenance procedures that can be done by the vehicle owner himself

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2. Be a loyal client

If you feel that you are incapable of learning and performing DIY car maintenance operations, (or just don't have the time) then it's time to get acquainted with the neighborhood mechanic or the nearest car repair shop. If you tend to have your car maintained in different shops frequently, you’re going to have a hard time building rapport.

Start by being a loyal customer to a good auto service provider. It’s good to pick one that’s close to where you live so it’s easily accessible to you when you need it. You can occasionally have conversations with the attending mechanics while they work on your car, so that they'll be aware of the car's service history and so that they can also give you helpful tips.

Once you establish a good relationship with the shop, you'll be seen as a valuable client. Who knows, that rapport you just built might even get you advance notice ragarding their promotions and discounts.

If you are incapable of learning and performing DIY car maintenance, be friends with your neighborhood mechanic or auto shop

3. Learn to shop

This might be particularly difficult if you’re not the type who likes to search high and low for the best deals. If you feel confident about your automotive knowledge, then you can probably perform even the basic parts replacements, since there are parts that wear out faster than others.

If you decide to have your maintenance done by a mechanic, you’re not only charged the labor fees but also for parts replacements, and that depends on how vital the part is or how hard it is to procure. This is where learning to canvas for parts and where to get the best deals on them can save you money.

If you are already confident about your car knowledge, then you can do basic parts replacements

Once you walk into a store and down the auto parts aisle, don’t just focus on getting what you need. Check the prices and compare them to those of other brands. Watch out too for promotional discounts. If physically visiting shops isn’t your cup of tea, an alternative is online shopping. There are many shopping platforms out there that carry a wide range of automotive products.

>>> Read more: Top 3 Tips on Getting the Best Deals on Car Accessories in Banawe Street

Compare prices with those of competing brands

4. Online shopping for auto parts

These can actually cost less than those sold at physical stores, especially if the item can be sourced straight from the manufacturer or warehouse. Online shopping platforms also offer certain discounts on occasion, especially to first-time users. Do remember that there are pros and cons to shopping for auto parts online. See them listed them here for your reference so you can decide if online auto parts shopping is for you:

4.1. Pros

• Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Easy to compare prices between different online stores.
• The convenience of multiple payment options. You can pay via online banking or cash-on-delivery once you receive your item/s.
• Delivery straight to your doorstep.

Buying car parts online possible from anywhere with an internet connection

4.2. Cons

• Sales promotions can be overwhelming, especially for first-time users.
• Delivery time will depend on a number of factors, most of which you have no control over.
• The color, size, or features of the item you receive might differ from those advertised.
• You might end up ordering an item that's the wrong fit since you are unable to measure it before buying.

>>> Click to get more helpful tips and advice for your car maintenance