Cars

3 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Car That Could Be Costing You

Your vehicle is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever buy, and you depend on it for a lot of things. That said, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is well taken care of not only for your own sake but also for the sake of your wallet.

Unfortunately, many drivers make mistakes when they’re behind the wheel that could cost them a pretty penny later on. Here are three mistakes you might be making with your own vehicle and what you can do instead to save money.

1. Eating while you drive. Eating a burger while you drive may not sound as bad as texting while driving, but it’s still considered a form of distracted driving. Eating on the road reduces your reaction time, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident you could be responsible for. And while 96% of personal injury claims are settled through negotiation, you can still expect your insurance rates to go up. Wait to eat until you’re off the road to keep your insurance rates where they are.
2. Waiting to change your oil. Not everyone has it in their budget to change their oil and get a tire rotation every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. But you definitely should change your oil before you’re 1,000 miles overdue. The cost of an oil change is significantly less than the cost of a new engine, which you could end up having to pay for when your old oil causes your engine to overheat and damage itself.
3. Performing a jump start when you don’t know how. Just because you have jumper cables in your trunk doesn’t mean you automatically know how to perform a jump start. It’s important that you learn how to perform a jump start when you first get a vehicle. When you use jumper cables improperly, you could not only fry your car but also yourself. Make sure you’re out of the way of traffic when you perform a jump start and that the two cars aren’t touching. Keep the ignition switched off in both cars before you attach any cables.

Your first thought when it comes to saving money might not be to treat your vehicle differently. But by following the tips above, you’ll be surprised not only by how much money you’ll save but also by how much safer you’ll feel on the road.