5 Core Aspects of Car Maintenance to Service Annually

As a car owner, you know how vital it is to maintain your car's health. You want to avoid being in the middle of nowhere with a malfunctioning vehicle. 

Regular maintenance of your car keeps it running smoothly and safely. Maintenance is the key to preventing unwanted repairs and costly replacements. 

In this article, we'll talk about the five main areas in your car that need to be serviced annually.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

Your engine oil lubricates the engine, keeping everything in good working order. Over time, engine oil becomes dirty and loses its effectiveness. 

Changing your engine oil and filter annually or every 5000-7000 miles will go a long way in maintaining your car's engine's health.

Transmission Fluid Change

Your car's transmission fluid keeps it running smoothly. Over time, this fluid can get dirty and contaminated, leading to leaks and other transmission issues. To avoid costly transmission repairs, getting the fluid changed annually is essential.

Brake Inspection and Replacement

Brakes are a vital safety feature in your vehicle. Failing brakes put you and your passengers at risk. A brake inspection can detect any issues with your brakes and ensure they're in good working order. 

Depending on their status, you may need to get your brake pads and rotors replaced.

Air Filter Replacement

Clean air filters help your car's engine to breathe. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reducing fuel economy and decreasing engine performance. It's recommended to replace the air filter annually to keep your car running efficiently.

Tire Maintenance

Your car's tires are its only contact with the road. Proper maintenance of your tires, such as rotation, balancing, and alignment, will increase your tire's lifespan and improve your car's handling and safety. 

Take your car to a service center like Norlane Tyre Service if you need a checkup. It's essential to check your tire pressure regularly, especially before a long trip.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, servicing your car annually is crucial to keep it in good working order. The above five core aspects of car maintenance are essential to getting the most out of your vehicle. 

Regular servicing will save you time and money in the long run and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Plan a visit to your local auto shop today and schedule your yearly maintenance service.

4 Car Parts to Check Regularly For the Safest Drive

Owning a car requires a great deal of responsibility. It is not enough to just get behind the wheel and go. You have to ensure that your car is in its best condition every time you go out for a drive.

This is not just for your safety but also for other drivers and pedestrians that you share the road with. 

That said, here are four car parts you should check regularly to ensure safe driving.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are one of the most important parts of your car as it helps you stop when you need to. You should check your brake pads at least once a year to ensure they are still in good condition. 

Generally, brake pads need to be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on how frequently you use your car and your driving style. Make sure you get a car brake service completed from time to time.

Tires

Your tires are the only parts of your car that come into contact with the road. Worn-out tires can cause accidents, especially during wet or icy conditions. Check them regularly and measure the depth of the tread using a gauge. 

If the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, it is time to replace your tires. Additionally, check for any cracks or signs of damage on the sidewalls or tread.

Headlights and Taillights

Headlights and taillights are your car’s eyes during nighttime and low-light conditions. They help you see and be seen by other drivers. Check your headlights and taillights regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. 

If any of them are not working, replace them immediately. You don’t want to drive around with a broken headlight or taillight, especially at night.

Fluids

Your car has several liquids that perform specific functions to keep it running smoothly. These include engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Regularly check the levels and condition of these fluids. 

If any of them are low or dirty, it’s time for a replacement or top-up. Neglecting these fluids can cause damage to your car’s components, leading to costly repairs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, safety should always be the top priority when driving your car. Regularly checking these four car parts can help prevent accidents and keep your car running smoothly. 

It may seem like a tedious chore, but the benefits of ensuring your car is in good condition far outweigh the costs of repairs and injuries that can result from neglecting your car's maintenance. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Is Your Car Getting Old? 5 Repairs You Might Need to Start Budgeting For

If your car is on its last legs or just looking for some peace of mind concerning your vehicle, this blog post is for you! We'll help you identify 5 repairs needed to keep your car running well and avoid getting stranded by bad luck.

1. Brake Inspections

A good inspection will help you discover any issues with your brakes. Once you've discovered problems, you'll be able to plan repairs and budget how much it will cost. Brake inspection is crucial because you never know what might happen. 

A crash that totals your car costs significantly more than an inspection of your brakes, so it’s best to check up on your safety and your wallet.

2. Oil Changes

Maintaining your car properly is one of the most important things you can do. You can prevent issues by changing your oil at the recommended intervals. 

This will help you reduce the risk of oil burning, which can destroy your engine if left unchecked. If you wait too long between changes, your car won't run as well and might cause other problems. 

If you notice your oil getting thicker than normal, or have any other issues, then get a change sooner rather than later to avoid the potential for something worse. 

 Most auto shops will tell you roughly how often you should get your oil changed on the receipt or as a sticker on your windshield.

3. Tire Changes

Tire changes definitely help to prevent issues with your tires. Over time, they can lose tread and become smooth, which is when you need to replace them. 

If your tires can’t grip the road, driving becomes much riskier. Before getting tires replaced, you can always have them rotated instead. Tire rotation refers to changing which side of your car your tires sit on, as tires tend to wear down first on the side closest to the car. 

 So moving the left side tires to the right can extend their lifespan significantly, reducing the risks inherent in driving on old tires. 

 However, whenever you go in for automotive repair of any kind, be sure to listen to your mechanic's advice; they’ve got the best experience to say when rotating your tires isn’t enough and it’s time to replace them.

4. Coolant Changes

If your engine overheats while not driving it, you likely have a coolant leak somewhere. As the coolant is a mixture of water and anti-corrosion agents, leaks will cause corrosion problems on metal parts over time. 

When working correctly, your car's engine coolant circulates through the intercooler and radiator. When not working correctly, your car isn’t likely to get very far whenever you take it out. 

 If you smell anything strange or notice your car is getting overly warm, look at your engine to see if your coolant is leaking or empty.

5. Transmission

If your transmission is having problems, your car won’t be as easy to drive. When shifting gears, you might have trouble getting it into gear or feel clunkier than normal. 

When this happens, check to see if you have any dashboard lights indicating any issues, as often, car manufacturers have prepared for the more likely issues on your transmission. 

 Even if you don’t see any lights, it may be time for an inspection if you suspect your transmission might be struggling.

Repairing your car doesn't need to be as expensive as you think. With some simple maintenance and preventative care, you can avoid any major issues that are more costly to address. 

Make sure to schedule your car's maintenance service at least once a year, and take it in for a check-up if anything seems unusual.

Got in a Car Crash Recently? Here's How You Can Go About the Repairs

If you recently were in a car crash, hopefully, you walked away without a scratch. Even if you didn't get injured, your car probably suffered some damage. Whether it was a little or a lot, you need to go about handling the repairs. But where should you start?

Assess the Damage

Some damage to your car from a crash might be visible to the human eye and obvious to you. However, some of it might be lurking underneath the hood or inside the vehicle. 

If you can safely drive it away from the scene of the accident, then you should drive it to your mechanic promptly. On the other hand, if you have even the slightest suspicion of not being able to drive it safely, then arrange for it to be towed.

Get a Quote

Once your car is at an auto body repair shop, have the mechanics will look it over from bumper to bumper. You might have to pay for certain diagnostics, but you need to know everything that is wrong with the vehicle before you authorize repairs. Make sure you get a detailed quote from them with an itemized breakdown.

Get More Information

If the total repair bill is higher than your car's remaining value, then the car is probably totaled, and you'll just get a check from your insurance company. 

On the other hand, you might be in a position where you need to pick and choose which repairs need to be done. Safety and operational issues have to be fixed, but cosmetic damage might not.

Save Money

Your insurance provider might have set amounts they reimburse for in terms of repairs. If your mechanic can do it for less, you might get to save some money. Likewise, you might be able to call around to other mechanics to see if anyone offers cheaper quotes.

Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Bodywork might need a professional shop, but a lot of individual vehicle repairs might be things you can do on your own or with a buddy in your own garage or driveway. 

The Internet has tutorial videos for nearly every make and model of car out there, and you can find used parts from junkyards from coast to coast with just a little online shopping.

In conclusion, it's hard to live in most parts of the country without a car. Hopefully, you won't be without yours for very long. Follow these steps to make sure repairs after a crash happen right.

Tips for Budgeting for Car Repairs for Large Families

When you have four or more people living in a home, it can get expensive to do anything. From family outings to utilities and car repairs, the list is endless. We have four ways you can plan for the cost of living and driving as a large family below.

Plan for the expected events

With several drivers in the home, it becomes more likely for an accident to occur, whether it is with another vehicle, a fallen branch, or a wayward softball. Someone may end up with a crack or hole in the windshield. 

Many car insurance companies cover auto glass replacement for broken windshields. You may only need to save back a deductible for this style of claim. Your agent can answer these questions and make sure you have the correct policy for this coverage.

Other things that fall into this category include tires, windshield wipers, and all consumable parts. The more people in the home, the more likely some vehicles will have more miles. Brakes also fit this area. You might want to take advantage of the coverage as long as it does not raise your insurance premium.

Save extra paychecks

You might be thinking there are no extra checks at my house. However, there is an average of two months each year that have three paydays, says U.S. News. 

If you can afford to put these checks in the bank, then you will have an emergency fund of several hundred dollars. You can use this money for yearly maintenance checks. Then, you fix most problems that might arise.

Join a loyal rewards program

Many companies will offer deep discounts to keep people coming back. You will need to spend some time comparing programs to find one that works for your situation. For example, one company might offer a certain amount of money off for spending $50 or $100. 

Another may have a percentage discount with a deeper cut for coming back for routine maintenance like turning rotors and rotating tires.

Save a little out of every paycheck

When you put aside even five or ten dollars a check, the money accumulates much faster than you expect. After three months of depositing five dollars a week in your bank account, you will have $60. Now, this may only pay for a small repair, but another three months, and then three more. You get the picture.

When you have several people in the home, a vehicle typically gets more wear and tear than one in a smaller family. By combining all these techniques, and others you find, you could end up with a large fund in a short time. Then, you can concentrate on a back bill, college funds, a clothing allowance, vacation, or an emergency fund for the house.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

How to Save Money on Repairs After a Car Accident

Almost every driver is going to be involved in at least a few accidents over the years, and those mishaps can become very expensive if you aren’t careful. Luckily, with a little patience and some professional assistance, you should be able to recoup your losses and move on with your life before you know it.

Contact Your Insurance Immediately

Every insurance company has slightly different regulations, but most of those providers require their clients to contact them within 24 hours of an auto accident. Failing to file a report within that time frame could void your insurance, and that mistake might end up costing you quite a bit of money. 

Once the report has been filed, the insurance representative should tell you where you can go for repairs and what is going to be covered.

Hire an Attorney

Unless the collision was nothing more than a minor fender bender with no injuries, you will probably want to contact an attorney. Insurance companies are always trying to increase their profits, and they often do everything in their power to pay out as little as possible. 



An auto accident attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance representatives so that you receive a fair settlement. They will also be able to represent you if the situation escalates into a trial.

Work With a Local Dealership

While smaller mechanic shops are a great option for minor repairs, you might want to head to a dealership if the damage is extensive. Most dealerships have larger service departments that can handle bigger projects, and some of them offer discounts to customers who purchased a vehicle through them.

It will also be much easier for the dealership to order replacement parts, and that should save you quite a bit of time and money.

Don’t Report Minor Dents and Dings

Every state has slightly different laws regarding what must be done after a minor accident. In most states, a driver doesn’t need to report an accident if no one was injured and less than $500 worth of damage occurred. 

For minor damage, paying the deductible could be more expensive than simply paying for the repairs yourself. You might not even need to have the damaged repaired if it is nothing more than scuffed paint or a scratched bumper.

If a recent accident has caused a huge leap in your insurance premiums, then you should consider taking a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies will reduce your monthly premiums if you take one of those courses within a few months of a collision.

4 Ways to Cut Costs on Common Car Repairs

Getting your car fixed doesn’t always have to be an expensive endeavor. There are many ways that you can get the repairs that your vehicle needs without having to pay an exorbitant price. You’ll be doing yourself a favor by keeping these four cost-saving tips in mind when your car needs certain common repairs.

Get Oil Changes for Free

The dealership where you bought your vehicle may offer free lifetime oil changes. This can save you a significant amount of money each year that you’d normally have to pay at auto mechanic shops or quick lube places every few months. 

Your dealer may even provide a high-quality oil that’s formulated to be better on vehicle engines without charging you extra. In addition to changing your oil, your dealership might offer free brake checks and minor maintenance services each time that you get your oil changed through them.

Wait for Specials on Windshield Replacement

The best auto glass shops are known to offer frequent deals on replacing windshields, and waiting to take advantage of one of these deals can give you a price break. Windshield replacement may not need to be done right away if yours is still in good condition or has only a few minor dings or scratches, and waiting for the right special could pay off handsomely.

Buy Your Own Brake Pads

Dealerships and auto shops will charge you for both parts and labor when making repairs, and you can save money by buying your own brake pads. It’s possible to find these parts online or in stores for significantly less than what you’d pay if you were to purchase them at the time of your repair. 

After buying your brake pads, you can take them to the place where your vehicle is going to be repaired to have a mechanic put them on for you without charging you for the parts.
Keep Jumper Cables in Your Trunk

Your car could lose power at a moment’s notice, and keeping jumper cables in your trunk will give you a way to restart your vehicle and keep driving it until you’re able to get it fixed. 

Whenever you have trouble starting your car, you can hook up the cables to another vehicle that will give your car the power that it needs to run again. This isn’t a great long-term solution, but having your car jumped will allow you to delay getting the repairs that it needs until you have more money or find the right special deals.

Saving money on car repairs can be done if you’re willing to think outside the box. By finding the best ways to save on repair work, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle running while also keeping some extra money in your pocket.

Have an Expensive Car? 4 Ways to Save on Costly Repairs

It is easy to spend a lot on a new car right off the dealer’s lot. With such a huge financial commitment, it can be a bit of a disappointment to learn that a new, expensive car needs repairs. 

Yet, this happens more often than people think. Like all mechanical devices, cars have a tendency to break down and need fixing from time-to-time. The following are four tips on how to save money when the need to do car repairs arises.

Be the Mechanic

A lot of car owners waste tons of money on minor repairs they could easily learn to do themselves. Today, it is almost trivial to find instructional videos online which cover virtually every aspect of car maintenance and repair. In fact, some people even learn to do some advanced work on their expensive cars too. 

This may not be an ideal way to save money on car repairs for everyone, but it is a strategy that everyone should honestly consider. This is especially true for women who are finding they are a lot better with a wrench than they thought they might be.

Buy Your Own Replacement Parts

Another way to save money when repairing an expensive car is to get in the habit of buying the replacement parts needed for the job beforehand. There are a lot of places where a person can get their hands on used Ford Mustang parts, for example. 



When buying used parts, it is important to learn about the discount that comes from handing over the damaged part, often referred to as core.

Keeping Spare Tires in Your Garage

It is a good habit to get in the practice of buying tires for an expensive car when a tire shop is running a special sale. Often it is possible to save loads of money with a buy one get one free tire deal. 

After acquiring the tires, then simply store them away in the garage for when they are needed. This way it will be easy to ensure a spare tire is available when a replacement is necessary.

Get Quotes from Local Mechanics

For a lot of people, DIY mechanic work is not going to be a solution. That is okay, because it can still be economical to take an expensive car to a mechanic if a person takes the time to call and get quotes from the mechanics who operate in their local area. 

It is also going to be important to read reviews and gain a sense of what quality of work can be expected form a particular mechanic or company, especially in terms of customer service and billing.

When you save up to get an expensive car, the last thing you want is to pay out more for repairs and maintenance. Take the time to consider these options next time your vehicle needs a checkup. Doing so will help you keep your nice car affordable and well-maintained.

4 Tips to Save on Emergency Car Costs with Clever Foreplanning

None of us want to get caught in a vehicle emergency. If something does end up happening you want to be prepared instead of scrambling at the last minute. Invest in protective measures now to avoid complications later.

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.

3 Expenses You Might Run into as Your Car Ages

No matter what kind of car you drive or how well it is built, it will naturally become more prone to certain kinds of damage over time. The protective coatings on metal parts begins to wear away, making them more susceptible to rust. 

The rubber that hoses and belts are made of also becomes more brittle with age, which makes them more susceptible to breakage. In many cases, the wearing down of one part can create a chain reaction that can have an impact on entire systems. Here are three expenses you might run into as your car ages.

Timing Belt

The timing belt or chain controls the timing of the valves in an internal combustion engine by connecting the crankshaft to the camshaft. Some cars will have a timing chain while others will have a timing belt. 

Timing chains generally do not need to be replaced, but timing belts generally need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. It is also important for car owners to be aware that there are two kinds of belts that work on different types of engines. If your car has an interference engine and your timing belt were to break while driving, it can have severe repercussions on the engine itself. 

If you don’t have an interference engine, however, and your timing belt were to break, your engine would just stop running but there would not be much damage. It’s always better to get a timing belt replaced before it breaks, but it is critical on a vehicle with an interference engine.

Windshield Replacement

No matter how carefully you maintain your car, over time your windshield is likely to become covered with a constellation of microscopic cracks, pits, chips and dings. Each of these small imperfections weakens the overall integrity of your windshield. 

Small cracks and chips can be temporarily sealed with a special sealant to keep them from spreading, but eventually, you are simply going to need to get your windshield replaced. The good news is, many auto glass replacement services will come right to you and can even replace your window while you are at work or doing other things.

Brake Replacement

Brake pads are essentially like disposable linings that help to protect your actual brakes. Brake pads should be replaced roughly every 50,000 miles, but some may need to be replaced as frequently as every 25,000 miles. 

Some signs that your brake pads need to be replaced are a squealing or squeaking noise when you brake or your car becomes jittery. Getting your brake pads checked and replaced as necessary will help extend the life of your drums and rotors but even those will need to be replaced eventually.

4 Small Car Repairs to Make Now before They Become Expensive

Your car has been in need of having some minor repair issues done. As with most cars, time has had its way with your car, and it would be nice if you could snap your fingers and everything would be okay. 

Unfortunately, unless you know how to make these repairs yourself, you are going to have to pay a professional to do them for you. The following are four areas of car repair that you need to address now before the repair issues become more expensive.

A Brake Job

The brakes are an essential part of a working vehicle on the road. The problem is that it has been a long time since you had your brake pads replaced. A couple of days ago, you thought you heard them grinding when you engaged them. 

This is a problem you will want to get fixed immediately, because squealing or grinding brakes are a sign that continuing to drive on your brakes could create more extensive damage to your break system.

Alternator Problems

Having issues with your alternator can be a big hassle. You could be out somewhere and not even realize that you are about to find yourself stranded on the side of the road where your car is getting no power. 

What is worse is that alternator problems, if not dealt with quickly, can cause damage to your car’s battery, and that could make this a more costly repair issue out of pocket.

Camshaft Maintenance

Sometimes the easiest and cheapest way to stay on top of a repair issue is by doing the proper maintenance on your car. In the case of your camshaft, the part that regulates air to your engine, regular oil and valve cleanings are a superb way to save you from an expensive camshaft replacement down the road. 

By doing regular maintenance, you prevent the cam shaft from getting clogged up with dirt and debris which prevents damage to your engine too.

Change Your Air Filter

When it comes to cheap repairs, changing your air filter is not an overly expensive component to replace on its own. The problem is that failing to do this routine maintenance issue can get expensive. 

It could lead to a damaged mass air flow sensor that costs hundreds of dollars to fix. But, if that happens, look on the bright side. At least that is not nearly as expensive as a car repair issue that might land your car in a transmission shop.

Keeping an eye out that something is wrong with your car is an essential part of excellent car operation. Ignoring warning signs that something is wrong will, more often than not, end up costing you more in the long run. It is typically better to simply do the proper maintenance and to swiftly address problems that arise than to let simple repair issues grow to become more expensive problems down the road.

4 Ways to Make Saving for Car Repairs Easy-Peasy

When you save for a car repair, it gives you a certain peace. No matter what happens, you can know that you’re financially covered. With this understanding, it’s important to recognize the impact saving can have on your life. It’s also even more important to implement it in your financial habits. If you don’t know how to save for car repairs, consider the following ways you can get started.

Set Aside a Separate Bank Account for Car Repairs

When you’re saving money, it’s wise to make sure the money is inconvenient to reach. When you can easily access the money with the swipe of a debit card, you’re more likely to abuse the savings account. 




Instead, create a separate bank account without a debit card. When you’re ready to put money into that account, you can leave it there. When you have a major car repair on the horizon, you can go to the bank and actually withdraw the cash you need.

Allot a Certain Amount for Car Repairs Each Month

If you intentionally set aside money from each paycheck by budgeting, you won’t really notice that it’s gone. Even if you set aside $30 from each paycheck and you’re paid twice a month, that’s $60 in a car repair savings account. When you need an oil change, new tires or a new battery, you’ll be able to pull from that account and cover the repairs.

Shop around for Parts

When you know that you need a specific part, it’s a good idea to shop around. If you own a Mitsubishi car, see if you can find the Mitsubishi parts you’ll need. If you go to a shop and allow them to order the part for you, they might charge you more than you need to pay. This is a great way to save in the long run.

Find an Honest Repairman

While it’s known and understood that many car repairs won’t be cheap, you want to make sure you’re getting a fair price for the effort. While it might be an annoying process, it’s wise to ask around and find an honest repairman. 

There are many car repairmen who are known to take advantage of the customer. Because many people aren’t well-versed in car repairs, they trust the word of the repairmen. It’s easier to save for car repairs when you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for what you need.

As you move forward in reaching your financial goals and preparing for your future, remember that your car is a major tool you’ll use in your everyday life. It’s best to make sure it’s working on all cylinders. Don’t wait until you’re in a bind to save for the repair. Instead, begin saving now. You’ll be happier in the long run.

How to Save Money on Car Repairs without the Hassle

Car repairs can often be expensive, but you don’t always necessarily need to shell out a lot of money to get your vehicle fixed. You can reduce your expenses and still receive quality workmanship from a professional mechanic with a few tricks of the trade. 

Here are four great ideas that could help you save money the next time your vehicle needs repair work.

Be Loyal to a Particular Shop

Auto shops are sometimes willing to give discounts to returning customers. If you know of a good shop in your area that is ASE-certified and has received positive reviews, you should consider taking your car there every time you need service. 

They should keep a record of your service history in their computer system, but you can also remind them that you’re a returning customer and ask if they can offer you a special deal.

Check Your Owner’s Manual for Recommended Services

The owner’s manual for your vehicle can let you know when you should have certain services performed. Taking care of these services when they’re due can save you from costlier repairs down the road. 

However, time.com states that your auto shop may also try to recommend services that your vehicle doesn’t need. By comparing the recommended services that your mechanic suggests to those in your owner’s manual, you can avoid paying for unnecessary work.

Try Buying Your Own Parts

Most auto shops only use their own parts, but you can try offering to purchase certain parts elsewhere to see if the effort will save you money. 

Brake pads, air filters, and even parts that are needed for gearbox repairs can sometimes be found cheaper at auto parts shops. Any items that you purchase should be covered under warranty in case they break down unexpectedly.

Consider the DIY Route

If your auto shop is quoting you an exorbitant price, you might be able to save money by doing the work yourself. You should have the right amount of knowledge and previous experience working on a vehicle before attempting to perform any repairs on your own. 

Some simple tasks, such as replacing a headlight, wiper blade, or battery, don’t require a lot of mechanical know-how and can probably be done without help from a professional.

You don’t have to let any necessary auto repair work eat away at your budget. By staying conscious of your spending and finding ways to get the best deal, you can get your car fixed and have some money left over to spare.

How to Financially Handle Unforeseen Circumstances In Your Family

If your family is like most, there never seems to be enough money to go around. Therefore, every dollar that the family does have must be accounted for and spent wisely. 

Unfortunately, there may be circumstances beyond your control that may stretch or break your budget. What can you do to handle those events as best as possible?

How to Handle Automobile Repair Costs

While you may be able to anticipate the need for some car repairs, you never know when your vehicle will simply refuse to start before work one morning. 

Even worse, it could refuse to start in the mall parking lot or when you are out of town. The first thing that you need to do is get the vehicle to a shop and yourself to a safe place. 




When you get the estimate for the repair costs, you shouldn't panic. Instead, ask about any financing programs that a service center may offer. Depending on the reason why your car won't start or otherwise won't run, it may be possible to file an insurance claim. 

If those options aren't available, you can ask for money from your friends or parents. In an absolute worst case scenario, payday lenders may be able to send the money to your bank account within minutes.

How to Handle Unexpected Tax Bills

Most people get refunds from the IRS and from their state government each year when they file their taxes. 

However, if you owe money, it may be tough to scrape together the necessary funds to pay that debt. It may be even harder to pay the bill if you don't know that you owe the money until you file your return in January.

In this scenario, you should request a six-month extension to file your return. Although it doesn't give you an extension to pay, the penalties for not paying on time are generally less severe than the penalties for not filing on time. 

Other options include asking for an offer-in-compromise, which is similar to a debt settlement with other creditors.

How to Handle Unexpected Dental Costs

It is difficult to deal with tooth pain for more than a few hours. Failing to see a specialist at a family dentistry in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina or one such establishment that is in your area quickly after breaking a tooth could also cause long-term oral and other related health problems. 

In many cases, dentists offer payment plans to help you better afford your care. It may be possible to use personal credit cards or CareCredit to get the work done. 

CareCredit is typical an interest-free loan, which means that you don't have to worry about the expense compounding if it isn't paid off in a timely manner. If you have insurance, your policy may cover some of the work that needs to be done.

How to Handle Unexpected Property Damage

If your home is damaged by a storm, a pest infestation or some other unexpected event, it could cost thousands to repair the damage. If you need emergency repair work to a furnace or some other component to your home, that could cost even more. 

Your first option is to file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance company. Other options include applying for personal loans or using credit cards to pay for the repairs if the insurance claim is denied. In the aftermath of a devastating storm, relief funds may be available to help you rebuild.

There is never a good time for an emergency expense to arise. However, it may not be possible to simply let your car, home or tax bill linger for weeks or months. 

Therefore, knowing where to go to get help paying those expenses can keep your family safe and healthy despite your financial issues.