Thinking about all of the money that goes into a car – the price of buying used cars, insurance payments, auto loans, gas money and more – can be overwhelming. It may even seem like there's no relief from these costs, as the bills associated with owning a car just continue to pile up. That's why some drivers are getting their hands dirty this year.
More drivers embrace DIY
According to a survey conducted by AutoPartsWarehouse.com, drivers are increasingly trying to save money by doing their own auto maintenance and repairs. Nearly 80 percent of people stated they were trying to pinch pennies by doing their own work, with another 66 percent saying they simply enjoy maintaining cars.
About half of the people who said they embrace DIY jobs reported trying their hand at more tasks this year than in the past, and two-thirds of drivers said they're willing to take on more difficult projects.
Why are these car owners stepping outside their comfort zone? For starters, many of them are driving older vehicles, and they don't feel like it's worthwhile to pump more money into them. Almost half of the respondents said their cars were 10 or more years old, with 64 percent clocking in with more than 100,000 miles.
Some of these motorists would be surprised to hear that repairs and maintenance aren't always so costly. In fact, there may even be a few local garages capable of delivering fine work at a relative low price – drivers just have to work up the effort to find them.
Don't take unnecessary risks
You may feel the urge to try your hand at some car maintenance, but if you're not comfortable with certain tasks, don't hesitate to call a pro. The team of experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, for example, can address any issues you may have with your vehicle.
At NJ State Auto, you can also find used cars that will serve as great replacements for older vehicles that may be on their last legs. Instead of using patchwork DIY projects to extend the life of a ride, let the facility's in-house financing team figure out how you can get behind the wheel of a more reliable, stylish option.