VALDOSTA — I didn’t realize how important it was to take care of a car until I finally had a car that I was completely and financially responsible for. In October of this year, me and my husband became bonafide adults when we purchased a brand new, 2011 Jeep Compass. After the initial awe of a new car wore off — which was short lived considering I was just rear ended three weeks ago — it hit me, quite literally and metaphorically, that these hunks of metal are not cheap to take care of.

In high school and college, I was privileged enough to have my parents buy a car for me. Of course it was a piece of junk that I complained about incessantly. There was some sort of foam piece that was deteriorating and blowing out through the air vents that at times either flew to the back of my throat or temporarily blinded me. Both if I was lucky.

Quite often, usually when it rained, the car would shut off and not run all together. One of the sole benefits of having a car is being able to go from point A to point B in inclement weather without being inconvenienced. So of course my car, who I think was quite determined to kill me, was nothing other than a complete nuisance that I didn’t have to pay for. However, now having a new car that I completely pay a lot for, I would rather have the free piece of junk. Of course, that is impossible because my past car I’m sure belongs to a 17-year-old who is at this moment pushing it out of a speeding highway somewhere. Awe, the memories.

I have been taking extra measures to inform myself on everything it takes to properly maintain a car. In this research, I have learned that when you take care of your car, it runs longer. It’s important to keep a car as long as you can because not only does the cost of new cars go up every year, but you lose money on low trade-in values. So here are a few tips I have to keep your car snazzy and save you money in the long run:



• Keep your car properly tuned. A poorly tuned car can cost between 25-33 percent more on gas per year.

• Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. More frequent oil changes are the single most important fact in extending the life of an engine.

• Check your car’s filter monthly. A dirty filter shortens engine life and reduces gas mileage.

• Unless otherwise stated in your owner’s manual, just use a regular grade gasoline. For most cars, premium gas offers no benefit.

• Check your tire pressure regularly. You can lose up to 6 percent in gas mileage for every pound under inflation.

• Add thousands of miles to the life of your tires by having them balanced at least once a year. Improperly balanced tires can wear out your shock absorbers and damage your suspension.

• Check your fluid levels. Low battery water shortens your battery’s life. Also, check coolant and automatic transmission fluid.



Another thing that costs car owners a lot of money is car insurance. Of course, you have to legally have it but it’s also just a smart expense. However, I do have a few tricks up my sleeves to save you money in that department as well:



• Notify your insurance provider of all the safety features in your car. It could qualify you for a discount.

• If you are or have a driver that is under the age of 25 and is a student, they may qualify for a good student discount.

• If you rent, bundle your car insurance with your renter’s insurance. I only pay an additional $10 every month for $10,000 renters coverage. This is sometimes the case with homeowner’s insurance as well.

• Raising your deductible can lower your monthly payment. However, I don’t always recommend this. You want to make sure that your deductible is something reasonable that you will be able to pay in the event of an accident. If you’re on a budget like me, I suggest having a deductible no higher than $500. Also, make sure you always have your deductible amount tucked into savings, you never know when something could happen.

• Be a good driver. A lot of insurance companies give you discounts for not having tickets and for not being in accidents over an extended period of time.

Well budgeteers, that’s all I’ve got for you this week.

Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrittanysBudgetDiary. I’m also now on Twitter @VDT_Brittany.

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