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Do you already know what you’re going to spend your tax refund on?
Sometimes, money is very tight, and a tax refund can be the only real bonus we see in a year’s time. Especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck -- car maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind.
But what if we told you that preventative maintenance, though costly upfront, can help you get ahead? Though it’s not flashy or luxurious, you should consider paying it forward towards preventive maintenance on your car.
Consider reinvesting in your car!
Giving your car some TLC keeps it running well and prevents you from paying thousands down the road. There’s nothing more disappointing than getting your car into the shop just to find whatever clunking or smoking going on could have been prevented had you brought it in a month earlier. Doing preventative maintenance can save you tons of money in the long run and ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
Preventative maintenance does precisely what it sounds like: it prevents your car from breaking down. It’s the little things you can do to make sure your car runs smoothly, lives longer, and runs as it’s supposed to. Preventative maintenance as a whole isn’t too expensive, but it can definitely feel overwhelming if you have to do all your maintenance at once. Lots of us are good about oil changes, but there’s a few more pieces to preventative maintenance. Typically, it depends on your make and model. Most commonly, preventative maintenance looks like:
Oil changes. Ensuring you have enough oil in your car and that the oil is fresh.
Check your fluids. Making sure you have coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid.
Check your windshield wipers. Having windshield wipers that give you clear, supported vision during storms rather than leaving streaky messes in harsh conditions.
Replace filters. Looking at your cabin, oil, fuel, and air filters to see how dirty they are.
Replace belts. Changing your serpentine and timing belts after a specific amount of miles listed in your manual.
It can be stressful to head into the shop and find that your car is struggling with all of the above. But going without one or more of these things can end up costing you thousands and thousands of dollars. Save yourself the stress later and do what you can now, before the problems start.
If your tax return hits your direct deposit here soon and begins burning a hole in your pocket, preventative maintenance is the investment to make. Contact our technicians today to get started on your maintenance services. At Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo, CA, Our team of ASE-Certified auto technicians is here to help your car live its most extended life possible. You can click on this embedded link to schedule an appointment, and don’t forget to Like us on Facebook for news and updates. We’re located at 25721 Taladro Circle Unit A, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, and we’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.