You love your car; it gets you to work, helps you pick up the kids from school, and is always there for a weekend joyride. But one thing that can quickly turn your love for your car into hate is having to pay for expensive repairs.
Car repairs can leave you in serious debt if you’re not careful. But there are ways to avoid this debt and keep your car running smoothly. Here are five tips:
Get a Good Extended Warranty
One of the best ways to avoid car repair debt is to get a good warranty from a reputable company. You can read reviews to help you find the best car warranty companies. This way, if something goes wrong with your car, you won’t have to pay for the repairs yourself.
There are a lot of different warranty companies out there, so do your research to find one that’s right for you. You’ll want to consider what’s covered, how much it costs, your deductible, and what the claims process is like.
Keep Your Car Clean
As any car owner knows, a clean car is a happy car. Not only does it look better, but it also runs better. When your vehicle is full of clutter and extra weight, it has to work harder to run correctly, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
So take some time each week to clean your car and keep it organized. A few minutes of preventive maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. And who doesn’t want that?
Do It Yourself Repairs
We’re not suggesting you redneck your repairs with baling wire and duct tape, but if you’re handy with tools, you can save a lot of money by doing your repairs on your own. Of course, not everyone is comfortable doing this, so only attempt it if you’re confident in your abilities.
Plenty of resources are available to help you figure out how to do basic repairs, like changing your oil or fixing a flat tire. And if you get stuck, you can always ask a friend or family member for help. This could be a great chance to bond with a friend or family member as they show you how to do the fixes you need.
Side hustle
If your car is giving you headaches and your bank account looks a little low, you may consider getting a side hustle. And you’re not alone – according to a recent study, nearly one in three Americans have a side gig.
With the vast array of ways to make extra money, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking to make some quick cash or build up a long-term source of income, there’s sure to be a side hustle that’s right for you. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start earning!
One popular option is to start a blog. You can share your passion for cars and help others learn more about them. Or you could create a YouTube channel where you review different car products. If all else fails, selling some unused crap is a great way to make extra cash and not dip into your allotted budget.
Save up
This may not be the most exciting option, but it’s the most practical. You know you’ll need to pay for car repairs, if not now, a few months later. Start setting aside money each month to have a cushion when the time comes for repairs or scheduled maintenance.
No one likes the idea of being in debt, but when it comes to car repairs, it’s often impossible to avoid. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about keeping your car in good condition. By following a few simple tips, you can minimize the debt you’ll have to pay for car repairs.
- Be sure to stay up to date on routine maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. These regular services help to keep your car running smoothly and can prevent significant issues from developing down the road.
- Don’t wait to get repairs done. If you notice something wrong with your car, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem will only worsen, and the sooner you get it fixed, the less expensive it will be.
- Make sure you have a good warranty or roadside assistance plan in place. These can help to cover the cost of unexpected repairs and give you peace of mind on the road.
Following these tips can avoid taking on unnecessary debt for car repairs. And while you’re at it, why not start paying down other debt so you can do what you love?