We all know that maintaining a car can be an expensive pastime these days. Budgets are getting stretched to breaking point. And it’s hard to justify spending big money on dealership repairs. We can’t avoid fixing or servicing our cars; that’s just not an option.
So, what is the alternative to this problem? Well, as it turns out there are plenty of things you can do to keep your car roadworthy without spending big bucks! This handy guide will show you what you need to do:
Fix broken parts instead of replacing them
Some things like oil filters need to get replaced during each service; there’s no way around that fact. But, did you know that some car parts can get repaired and made like new again? There are many serviceable parts inside of your car.
For example, let’s say that your headlights are looking cloudy and misted. You might think that your only choice is to spend three-figure sums at your local dealership. The good news is that you can make your headlights like new again!
You can buy headlight restoration kits to reverse the damage caused by UV rays from the sun. But, what about the condensation inside of your lenses? Just buy a bag of silica crystals and place it inside the housing. It’ll absorb the moisture inside the lens and leave them free of water.
Even things like starter motors can be repaired instead of replaced. The common fault on those parts is the solenoid that sits outside of it. Changing that small, cheap item will save you hundreds!
Buy used parts instead of brand new ones
Sometimes your car might need a replacement exhaust box or radiator. Those are two examples of parts that can cost an arm and a leg for new items if you’re not careful! The obvious choice would be to buy used but working items.
You might think that used parts won’t last five minutes on your car. But what you might not know is that places like North West Car Parts check the parts they have before they sell them. That’s right; the days of buying dodgy parts with an unknown history are over!
Scour the Web for discounted prices
These days, it’s possible to grab a bargain or two even on dealer-supplied parts. How? It’s simple; use the Internet!
There are thousands of car parts suppliers online ready and willing to take your order. Many of them will also sell genuine manufacturer-branded parts too. If you’re not too fussed about branding, you can get even better deals.
Few people realise that the parts in their cars aren’t made by the manufacturer. Instead, they’re built by third-party companies. For example, firms like Gates supply drive belts. Goodyear supply high-pressure hoses. And so forth.
It might be worth researching which companies make the OE parts for your car. I usually buy parts made from the same company but without my car marque’s logo on them.
Now you’ve got the knowledge; it’s time to put it into practice. Thanks for reading!