Owning a car can be an expensive affair. With regular maintenance, gas, parking and insurance – not to mention the actual car payment itself – it's important to make sure you're financially capable of car ownership before heading to the dealer.
Fortunately, while there isn't much you can do about things like gas prices, there are steps you can take to lower your cost of ownership. Cars are complex and maintenance on them can be expensive if things get out of hand. On the flip side, taking a few preventive measures regularly can keep your car running smoother for longer.
Here are a few simple maintenance task any driver should be able to do that can reduce your cost of ownership.
"A dirty air filter can reduce your fuel efficiency by around 10%."
1. Change your air filter
Plain old air is a critical component in the smooth operation of your car's engine. According to CarsDirect, every gallon of fuel your engine uses requires 10,000 gallons of clean air. That may seem like a lot, but remember that your car gets all the air it needs from outside – you just need to keep an eye on the air filter.
Investopedia recommended changing your air filter every three months, though this may change depending on the area that you live in – parts of the country that are particularly dusty or pollen-infested may require more frequent maintenance. Air filters themselves are fairly inexpensive and are simple to replace – most of them don't require any special tools and can be swapped by hand by even novice motorists.
For such a small component, the air filter can have a major impact on your car's gas mileage. A dirty filter can reduce your fuel efficiency by around 10 percent, costing you an extra 15 cents per gallon on gasoline – an amount that will certainly add up over time.
2. Keep your tires inflated
You likely don't think too much about your tires unless there's a problem. They're an important part of your vehicle's overall function and safety, and replacing them can be an expensive ordeal. That's why it's important to keep them in good, working condition as long as possible by keeping them inflated.
Tires tend to lose air at a rate of about one to two pounds per month, Investopedia noted. In addition to this, extreme temperature changes – such as the oncoming season – can cause even further loss of air pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly, as well as your owner's manual to determine what the recommended pressure is for your car so you can stay on top of the issue.
Knowing when to change your oil is just important as knowing how to do so.
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3. Change your oil on a realistic schedule
Conventional wisdom holds that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, it turns out conventional wisdom may be overcompensating. While it's important to change your oil regularly, every 3,000 miles is a bit excessive, especially with new advancements in synthetic motor oil technology. Check your car's owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations, but in general, you can likely get away with changing your oil every 5,000 miles. Not only will you be saving money on unnecessary oil changes, you'll also be going easy on the environment.
4. Buy an OBD-II reader
Wait a minute – we're supposed to be helping you save money on car maintenance, so why are we recommending you buy a diagnostic reader? Before you get too upset, keep in mind that the nebulous check engine light is the source of many headaches – and unnecessary maintenance expenses – for motorists everywhere.
Fortunately, an OBD-II reader, a machine that retails for just under $100, can eliminate unnecessary trips to the mechanic's shop. The reader interfaces with your engine's on-board computer, providing you information on exactly what's wrong when the check engine light goes on for most cars manufactured later than 1996. While you should try and get all maintenance issues with your car addressed as soon as possible, some are more pressing than others, and these are exactly the sorts of things that an OBD-II reader is designed to help you determine.
If you're in the market for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a helpful sales and finance team dedicated to putting you in the used car that's right for you.