Six ways you waste money on your car
Motorists spend lots of money on their cars. Some spend out of ignorance while others are victims of scrupulous mechanics that advise them on:
Changing oil too often
Simply put, the mythological 3,000 kilometres oil change has been the domain over the years. But today oil is changed more often despite improvements in oil purity and good filtering systems. So be mindful when and how long you need to change your oil.
Buying over-the-counter fuel additives
You absolutely do need additives in your fuel to keep your engine running. Anything that promises you magic when added to fuel is an exaggeration. At many different filling stations, especially ones with respected brands, those additives come with the fuel and are not added at the persuasion of a salesman. Therefore do not spend your money.
Ignoring car specifics
A car built in 1985 has a different maintenance requirement than one built in 2003. Do not second guess or assume details about your car, and do not blindly accept any mechanic’s recommendations. Make sure you know details of your car, especially the year of manufacture and model.
Choosing synthetic oil
Synthetic oils are used to optimise the function of some modern engines. But they do not benefit all engines, especially those of older cars. Ensure you are using the correct viscosity and grade for your particular car. Synthetic motor oil can cost two to four times as much as regular oil. So unless your owner’s manual specifies synthetic, you don’t need it.
Ignoring your check-engine light
This, sometimes cryptic light most times indicates a problem with the fuel or emission system. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor, one of the reasons for the light, can hurt your gas mileage. And an out of order fuel-air mix, if ignored for too long, could harm the engine.
Fixing every scratch
While cosmetic, many people will want to fix every scratch on their car. They want the car to appear fresh. See every time you fix a scratch it costs quite a bit and the saving is in waiting for the scratches to build up.
