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Ford, GM, Nissan Announce Cars They Will Discontinue in 2019

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Automakers like Ford, GM, Nissan, and Chevy have begun announcing cars they will discontinue in the coming year. Many of the companies’ most popular models will no longer be in production starting in 2019. Manufacturers have begun to take these models to the chopping block because the needs of the buyer have changed drastically. So, which cars will fall off the production line this year and what is replacing them?

Ford, GM, Nissan, Chevy Say Goodbye to Old Models

Much of this shift is due to the rise in popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It is estimated that 1 in 2 vehicles that will be sold in 2019 will be an SUV or crossover, according to Edmunds. Both of these vehicles offer more space and a fuel economy much better than it was years ago.

Most people seem to be shifting away from compact cars, hatchbacks, and other types of passenger cars. Several of the vehicles on the list of those to be hacked in 2019 are also hybrids. That may come as a surprise to some. However, with gas prices under $3 a gallon in most places in the U.S., many consumers are no longer looking for a break when it comes to gasoline.

What Vehicles Are Being Discontinued?

Automakers do not discontinue vehicles without putting a lot of thought into it. Remember, automakers invest quite a bit of time and money into marketing and developing new cars. Volkswagen, for example, will be discontinuing the Beetle (for a little while). The 2019 model will be the last one made until smaller vehicles regain popularity.

Ford GM Nissan

Cadillac CT6 and XTS

Both the Cadillac CT6 and XTS are being discontinued in 2019. Essentially, both of these luxury SUVs debuted at a bad time for the market. Luxury buyers with that amount of cash are buying SUVs for the most part.

Cadillac ATS

Cadillac will also discontinue the ATS next year. It was designed as a luxury sedan that would compete with BMW’s 3-series. However, it could not compete with similar vehicles on the market.

Chevrolet Impala

This isn’t the first time Chevy has made the decision to pull the Impala off the production line, so don’t be surprised if you see it pop up again. In the current climate, the Impala could not compete with the overall downfall of the sedan in the car-buying world.

Chevrolet Cruze

Another car Chevy is tossing out is the Cruze. Although the car was popular at first, sales have suffered recently due to the boom in popularity of the SUV.

Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is being taken out of production in 2019 as well. Like many other first-generation hybrids, it never reached the level of popularity GM hoped for. Because of that, GM has switched its focus to battery-powered cars.

Ford GM Nissan

Ford Taurus

Like the Impala, this is not the first time Ford has shown the Taurus the chopping block. It may be the last time though. At one time the sedan was extremely popular, however, those days are gone.

Ford Focus

Another Ford vehicle being taken out of production is the Focus. Like many other manufacturers, Ford is shifting towards SUVs and pickup trucks. As of early December, Ford only had 12,000 Focus cars left.

Ford C-Max

Ford is also discontinuing the C-Max in 2019. The car had a strong start but because of the decline in popularity of vehicles like it and the CR-Z Ford is taking it off the production line.

Ford GM Nissan

Honda CR-Z

Speaking of the CR-Z, Honda is also pulling the popular car model off the line too. The compact hybrid entered the market just as hybrids were declining.

Hyundai Azera

Hyundai is also sending one of its cars to the chopping block in 2019 too. After 2018, there will be no more new Azera models produced. Instead, the manufacturer is focusing on the Genesis.

Nissan Juke

Nissan has announced only one car being put out of production. The Juke is being kicked out for a new crossover called the Nissan Kicks.

Toyota Prius

The popular Prius will be put out of production this year as well. Actually, it hasn’t been manufactured since 2017 but the car is still registering sales.

Ford GM Nissan

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen will be putting the Beetle out of production once again. It is one of the most iconic vehicles in history though, so you’ll probably see new Beetles in the future – don’t worry.

Volkswagen Touareg

VW is also nixing the Touareg in 2019. The company plans to continue selling it in foreign markets but it will no longer be available in the U.S. Instead, Volkswagen will be focusing on larger SUV models, such as the Tiguan and Atlas. The car company has plans to introduce new SUV models to the market as well.

Goodbye Isn’t Forever in the Car Industry

With the auto industry, goodbye doesn’t necessarily last forever. Many automakers have relaunched popular old models if the time is right. Some manufacturers are doing just that in 2019. Ford will revive the Ranger pickup truck and Honda is bringing back the Passport SUV. Toyota will be relaunching its Supra sports car. So, if one of your favorite cars is getting the ax in 2019, don’t worry. There’s a chance you’ll be seeing it again in the future.

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Costco Gas Station Hours of Operation

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Costco gasoline stations are known for offering members a great value on high-quality fuel. Among their advertised advantages are stations designed for fast refueling and the best prices on gas. Wondering if your local gas station is open? Here are Costco gas station hours.

Costco Gas Station Hours

So, when are Costco gas stations open? On weekdays Costco gas stations are typically open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (and some even at 5 a.m.). They typically close between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. These extended opening hours appeal to everyday commuters who drive to and from work every day, but who only shop at Costco Warehouse once in a while.

Costco weekend gas hours are shorter than they are during the week, but the hours of operation are still longer for the stations than for the stores. Pump hours begin at between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Some stations will close a bit earlier on Sundays than on Saturdays.

Store and gas station hours can change throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons. Costco gas stations and stores are often open longer Monday through Friday. It is important to call the local Costco store and verify exact hours that they are open on a particular day, especially during the holidays. You can also check the Costco holiday schedule.

Costco gas station hours are usually:

  • Monday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

When Are Costco Gas Stations Closed?

Costco Gas stations are closed on the following days:

Independence Day
Labor Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years Day

Costco Gas Prices

Costco can typically offer gasoline for about 6 to 12 cents a gallon below local competitors’ prices, which is one reason why the gasoline sales account for 10 percent of the company’s revenue. The company does not show their gas prices on their website, partly because gas prices are subject to a high degree of market fluctuation as well as differences in local taxation structures.

Do I need a Costco Membership to Buy Costco Gas?

Only Costco members or Costco Cash Card customers can make purchases at Costco stations.

Types of Gas at Costco Gas Stations

Regular Unleaded (typically 87 octane), Premium Unleaded (typically 91 octane). Diesel fuel is available in some locations. Octane requirements can vary by state. Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All of Costco’s gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses. (Read more about Costco gas quality and type here.)

Is Costco Gas the Cheapest?

Your local Costco gas station will typically offer the lowest gas prices in the immediate area. However, when evaluating whether or not Costco gas is a good deal, you will need to compare prices in your area. For example, many supermarkets such as Safeway or Fred Meyer offer per-gallon discounts on a particular brand of gas based on what you spend on groceries. So if you are buying gas after you shop, the amount you save could be substantially more per gallon than the discount Costco offers. You will also need to factor in the cash back rewards on any credit card you might be using.

To make a better decision on this, check Costco’s official U.S. homepage and Canadian homepage. If Costco isn’t providing enough information you can use Priceviewer.com or Yelp.com to search for individual gas station hours in your state. We recommend using the GasBuddy App for updated Costco gas prices, or visit www.gasbuddy.com and search for your local city.

In general, if you’re an all-around savvy shopper, you should approach every gas run as strategically as you would any other shopping. First, consult GasBuddy to find the least-expensive gas prices around and plan on filling up at a time and place where you know you’ll be near cheap fuel. Also by using grocery-chain gas discounts wherever you can snag them, you’ll be able to save more cash at the pump.

You can also use this handy calculator to estimate your Costco gas savings.

As always, if you know the local hours of your Costco gas station, please feel free to leave a comment.

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You can check out our articles for Target as well.

Target Christmas Store Hours

Target Holiday Schedule and Store Hours

Use the Airbnb of Car Rentals to Make Money on the Side

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Over recent years, the transportation industry has undergone some astounding changes. The introduction of ride-share companies, including Uber and Lyft, became game-changers in the sector.

As of mid-2018, approximately 833,000 Uber drivers hit the road during the prior year, shaking the taxi industry to its core.

Now, there’s another disruptor in the transportation space. Two apps, dubbed the Airbnb of car rentals, are creating new opportunities for individuals looking to make money on the side. Plus, they are impacting the rental car industry, putting companies like Budget and Avis in the same position as taxi businesses.

If you are looking to make some side money off of your vehicle, here’s what you need to know about the Airbnb of car rentals services.

Turo-The Airbnb of Car Rental

A peer-to-peer car-sharing company, Turo works a lot like Airbnb. People who want to make additional cash for their vehicles can rent them out to users in need.

Approximately 250,000 cars are up for rent through the app, covering over 4,500 cities. Turo welcomes a wide range of vehicles, including everything from pickup trucks to sports cars.

Turo has comprehensive agreements for both those who put their vehicles up for rent and the renters. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as there is a substantial amount of risk in renting out your car. After all, someone could scratch, dent, or even total it. Plus, there is a chance of theft.

There are insurance options through Turo that can offer a level of protection. It’s still important to read all of the fine print thoroughly. This ensures you are fully aware of where various responsibilities lie, including it a renter gets in an accident.

How Easy Is It To Become Sign Up For Turo

Signing your car up with Turo is relatively simple. However, it is important to note that the company can reject your vehicle if it doesn’t meet their standards. If you’re driving a clunker, you likely won’t be able to put your car on Turo.

Once your car is on the available list, Turo uses dynamic pricing to set the rate. This means what you can earn fluctuates depending on demand. If you want to offer delivery, such as bringing the car to the nearest airport, you can set an additional fee.

As the owner, you get the final say on whether to provide the vehicle to someone who wishes to rent it. This is another reason why Turo is one of the “Airbnb of car rentals” apps, as you can reject a request largely at your discretion. However, all potential renters go through screening processes, including an examination of their driving history to ensure they are safe drivers.

If you accept a renter, the Turo app walks you through a handoff checklist, ensuring you complete important steps like documenting the mileage and checking the renter’s driver’s license.

After that, you’re typically aren’t involved until the renter brings your car back. Then, you reassess the condition of the vehicle and close out the agreement. Turo deposits your money not long after that.

Getaround

Getaround is another peer-to-peer car-sharing business, allowing individuals who want to earn a little extra cash from a dormant vehicle to rent out their car to someone in need. The app boasts 1000’s of vehicles but focuses on major cities, like D.C., L.A., and Seattle, and their immediate surrounding areas.

This service focuses on trips of all sizes. For example, a person who wants to spend an afternoon at a local hiking spot but doesn’t have their own vehicle might rent a car through the app. Other renters, such as those who usually rely on public transportation, can secure an automobile through Getaround to make tasks like getting groceries easier.

Like Turo, Getaround has insurance options to mitigate your financial risk. However, you are letting a stranger drive your vehicle, so issues can occur. However, renters are pre-screened for red flags, like prior accidents, to make sure they are reasonably skilled drivers.

Additionally, your car has to meet the company’s standards. If your vehicle isn’t in good repair, you might not qualify.

Otherwise, this Airbnb of car rentals offers the kind of experience you expect from the service category. You list your car, make an agreement with a renter, and allow them to use your vehicle. In return, you earn some side money.

Should You Sign Up with the Airbnb of Car Rentals?

Whether renting your car through an app like Turo or Getaround is a wise move depends on your situation. First, you must own a vehicle that you don’t need to drive from time to time. If you rely on your car on a daily basis, this might not be right for you. However, some renters only secure a car for a few hours a day, so it is still worth exploring.

Second, when you rent out your vehicle, you are taking a risk. While the Airbnb of car rentals companies do offer insurance, a renter being in an accident is still an inconvenience.

While you may have coverage for repairs, you will be without that car while it is in the shop. Additionally, if they total your vehicle, you could be in for a series of headaches along with the loss of a car. After all, an adjuster will determine the vehicle’s value, so you might not get enough to purchase a similar automobile from the insurance money alone.

What About Your Personal Car Insurance?

Additionally, your personal insurance likely won’t cover an accident that involves a renter. This means you can’t tap that resource to make up any difference. Instead, you are relying on the insurance from Turo, Getaround, or similar company, hence why reading all of the fine print is a must.

You can lessen your risk by reading renter reviews before agreeing to provide your car. Similarly, you can contact your insurance company to see if they will also cover any damage.

Finally, you need a vehicle that potential renters may find attractive. Pickup truck owners may appeal to people who are moving or need to purchase a large item. Sports car owners could attract tourists or business professionals. If a renter wants to head out camping, then they may look for SUVs to rent.

Depending on your type of vehicle, your demand may vary. However, you can always explore this by listing your car and seeing if there is enough interest to make it a worthwhile venture.

Ultimately, if you are comfortable with sending your vehicle out onto the road with a stranger, you can make extra money with these apps. But, if you couldn’t survive if your car is in an accident or totaled, this might not be the best money-making option for you.

Have you rented out your vehicle on one of the Airbnb of car rental apps? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles that can help you make money on the side? Give these a try.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Oil Change Prices: Is DIY Cheaper Than Going to a Shop?

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If you own a car, then regular oil changes are a must. How often you need to change your oil varies depending on your driving habits and the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

Many manufacturers recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, with older cars, trucks, and SUVs typically on the lower end. If you drive an average amount, approximately 13,500 miles according to Federal Highway Administration, that means you’ll need between one and five oil changes every year.

But, the cost of an oil change at a shop can be pricey. This leads many to wonder if this is a task they are better off doing themselves.

When it comes to car maintenance, an oil change is something most car owners can tackle. But will it actually save you money?

DIY Oil Change Prices

Changing your car’s oil is actually a fairly simple process and requires only a few items. First, you need oil. How much you need depends on your vehicle, so you’ll want to check the owner’s manual to make sure you buy enough. Typically, it will be between five and eight quarts, though some smaller cars may require less.

You also need to see what weight of oil you need. For example, some cars may need 5W-30 while others take 10W-20. This is also information you can find in the owner’s manual, allowing you to make sure you buy the right one.

Then, you need a pan to catch the old oil, an oil filter, and a jug to store the old oil. Once you have all of those items, you are ready to handle your DIY oil change.

Prices May Vary Depending On Your Location

DIY oil change prices may vary somewhat depending on where you live. However, you can typically find five quarts of motor oil for between $10 and $30. An oil drain pan is usually between $4 and $10, with larger pans being more expensive.

Some pans also function as storage containers, so you may be able to save a bit by buying on that does both. Otherwise, you’ll also need a jug or a funnel. If you have a funnel, you may be able to pour the old oil into the container holding the replacement oil, suggesting you use all of it during your DIY oil change.

Oil filters are also reasonably inexpensive. In most cases, you can find one for around $5 to $10.

Even on the high-end, a DIY oil change prices out around $50. However, if you look for sales or are flexible about the brand, spending $20 or less is possible, even on a full-synthetic oil change.

When you do a DIY oil change, there typically isn’t much of a time commitment either. Once you become familiar with the process, it only takes about 15 minutes. Considering you can spend that much time talking to a shop attendant if you get your oil change at a store, let alone the additional wait time that usually accompanies an oil change, the time usually isn’t a factor.

You will need to check into oil disposal costs in your area. Motor oil is hazardous waste, so you can’t just toss it in the trash.

In some cases, cities allow you to bring oil to a solid waste disposal center for no-cost at any time. Other locations host free disposal days, but some do charge fees.

Shop Oil Change Prices

Shop oil changes prices can vary significantly from one shop to the next. Additionally, your location can play a role in the cost, as services in larger cities with higher costs of living are typically more expensive.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals available. For example, you can get a basic, conventional oil change at Walmart for as little as $19.88. If you need full-synthetic, then that will cost $49.88.

Jiffy Lube tends to be more expensive than Walmart, but they frequently offer coupons that can bring the price down, making it comparable. The same can go for Firestone Complete Auto Care, Midas, and even dealerships.

There can be additional charges on top of the base oil change prices, such as if you need more than five quarts of oil. This means it is wise to ask about any additional expenses or fees before you get the work done.

It is important to note that shop oil changes usually come with extra services. This can include topping off various fluids, inflating your tires, and checking your battery. While you can do many as DIYs, it does increase the amount of work and may require special tool.

Vehicle Considerations

When you’re looking to lower the cost of an oil change, you may be tempted to use a lower-grade oil. Conventional oil is cheaper than blends or synthetics, and the savings can be attractive.

However, before you purchase a lower-grade oil, you need to determine what is best for your vehicle. Some cars, trucks, and SUVs require blends or full-synthetics to run properly. Additionally, higher mileage or high-use vehicles may benefit from an upgrade.

Before you make a selection, check your owner’s manual. Your manufacturer’s recommendations in the manual will let you know which options are best based on your vehicles needs. If it says a blend or synthetic is necessary, then that’s what you need to purchase at a minimum.

Often, you can choose to buy higher quality oil if you prefer, but a lower-grade oil in a car that requires something better can lead to engine damage.

Which is Cheaper?

Which approach is most cost-effective depends on your needs. If you are getting a conventional oil change, you might not save much money doing it yourself. By heading to Walmart or finding a coupon, you can spend about the same. It will cost you in time though, so if expediency is critical, then a DIY oil change might be ideal.

But, if you’re a savvy shopper and need a blend or full-synthetic, you can come out ahead with a DIY oil change. At a shop, these services can run between $50 and $80 or more, depending on the amount of oil you need. By looking for sales and being brand-flexible, you could save $20 or more. You won’t get the extra services, like the fluid top off, but if that isn’t something you need, then consider saving the money.

However, if you have a new vehicle and are eligible for free oil changes at the dealership, then you can get these services without spending a dime. If the dealer is in your local area, then it’s hard to beat those oil change prices, which might make your time in the waiting room particularly worthwhile.

Do you use DIY oil changes or head to a shop? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more create articles about cars? Give these a try:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

What Is the Best Type of Gas for My Car?

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In the US, there are approximately 116,000 gas stations. Once you pull in for a fill-up, most customers encounter a few choices. Regular, plus (or mid-grade), and premium are common for unleaded gas. In most cases, you’ll also find diesel available.

It isn’t uncommon to wonder, “What’s the best gas for my car?” when you look at these options. Will premium give me better performance? Could regular damage my engine? What happens if I use diesel?

While it might be confusing on the surface, figuring out which one is right for you is fairly simple. However, it is helpful to understand what the different choices mean.

Different Types of Gas

At a gas station, unleaded fuel is usually available with three octane levels. 87, 89, and 91 or 93 are the most common offerings at most gas stations.

The octane rating isn’t an indication of power. Instead, it plays a role in preignition.

To operate, your car’s engine starts compressing fuel and air as it ignites them with a spark. Preignition occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites too soon, something that can lead to a knocking sound.

Octane levels denote a fuel’s resistance to preignition. Higher ratings mean the gas isn’t as likely to detonate, and certain engines can use this feature to achieve more power.

In a high-performance engine, the fuel-air mixture is compressed to a smaller size. This creates additional heat, something that could lead to preignition with low-octane gas. High-octane fuel prevents preignition in these engines, allowing it to function at its best.

Diesel engines ignite differently than traditional unleaded gas engines. Diesel engines don’t use sparks. Instead, the compression creates enough heat to cause combustion. This means fuel a diesel engine needs features a different composition.

What Is The Best Gas For My Car?

Generally, the easiest way to figure out which type of fuel is best for your car is to check your owner’s manual. You may also find this information near your gas cap, though this isn’t always the case.

Your vehicle is designed to run on a gas that features a certain minimum octane. If your car can use 87-octane fuel, then springing for a higher grade isn’t necessary. You won’t get a performance or mileage boost by investing in more expensive gas in most cases, so don’t waste the money and just buy regular.

However, if your car needs a plus or premium octane, usually between 89 and 93, then that’s what you need to buy. In older vehicles, buying a lower octane can actually cause damage to the engine, making it a necessity.

While newer cars have sensors that can retune the engine, helping to prevent damage from a lower octane, that doesn’t mean it is good for your engine. Your fuel economy will usually suffer, and you may see a reduction in power. Additionally, there’s no guarantee that your engine won’t experience damage, even if it has the latest technology.

If your vehicle doesn’t ask for diesel, then don’t use it. Putting diesel into a regular gas tank can cause your car to stop working. Diesel fuel is thicker than regular gas, so it can gunk up your injectors, lines, and filters.

While the damage isn’t always permanent, it can be, so it’s best to find a mechanic who can help you remove the fuel quickly. Allowing the diesel to sit in your tank and fuel system can lead to additional damage, so it needs to be siphoned out by a professional.

Don’t drive your car to the mechanic. Instead, you’ll need to pull over somewhere safe and get a tow truck to take your vehicle to a shop. This lessens the likelihood of damage, making it a crucial step.

Luckily, many diesel nozzles won’t fit in a regular gasoline fuel tank, so you aren’t likely to make this mistake at the pump.

Similarly, if your car needs diesel, then that’s what you need to use. Putting regular gas into a diesel vehicle can also harm the engine, especially with “clean diesel” engines. Again, your best bet is to call a tow truck and head to a mechanic.

Does Brand Matter?

Certain fuel stations, like ARCO, Costco, and Walmart, are known for lower prices. This leaves many wondering if the cheaper price is a reflection of the quality of the fuel.

In reality, the federal government has strict guidelines regarding gasoline, especially octane ratings. This means an 87-octane fuel at a cheap gas station has the same octane level as an 87-octane fuel at any other.

In most cases, the primary difference is the presence or lack of additives. For example, some stations have detergents that their brand uses, while others may not. If you choose a station that doesn’t use additives, then you might want to purchase some fuel injection cleaner. Then, you can add a little to every tank and get a similar advantage to the additives in many cases.

Ultimately, if you choose a cheaper brand of gasoline, you aren’t necessarily endangering your vehicle. You may just have to handle the addition of cleaners yourself, ensuring everything operates properly over the long-term.

But, if you don’t want to keep track of that, then choosing a gas station that has fuel with additives may be more convenient. The price difference may only be a few cents a gallon, which may be worth it to avoid the hassle.

Is there a particular fuel that you think is best for your car? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about cars? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

10 Car Maintenance Tips To Prep for Winter

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With kids headed back to school, many people don’t have travel plans until the holidays. Not having any plans to drive long distances, the fall presents a perfect time to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle in preparation for the winter. Here are a few car maintenance tips to get your car ready for cooler weather.

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Preparing your car for the colder winter months is important. Below are 10 tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and CarCare.org.

  1. Read your owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. Generally, there are two service schedules listed (normal and severe). Any service lights on in your car should be taken care of before the weather gets colder.
  2. Replace wiper blades and fluid. Freezing rain and snow will be here before you know it. You may consider stocking up on wiper fluid and keep an ice scraper in your car. Your wipers and fluid will deteriorate quickly.
  3. Check heater and defroster. Defrost is necessary in order to have good visibility, especially in the snow. Not to mention, not having heat in your car throughout the winter is miserable. Check these functions and have them fixed if needed.
  4. Have your battery checked. If you do get stranded in the snow or even need a tow on a cold night, you’ll want to be sure your battery is charged. This way, you’ll have a way to turn the heat on while you wait.
  5. Stock your car with the items needed for emergencies. Even if your heater, battery, and everything else is in tip-top shape, you should prepare for emergencies. Keep a blanket, jumper cables, flares, water, flashlight, snacks, gloves, a small shovel, and a car charger for your cell phone.
  6. Make sure your brakes are up to par. Have your brakes checked or have them replaced before winter. Driving on worn brake pads will destroy your rotors and it decreases stopping power.
  7. Check your tire tread. If your tire tread is low it will impact your ability to safely drive in snow or ice. People living in areas that have heavy snow may consider purchasing snow tires.
  8. Replace filters. You’ve probably been running your A/C all summer. Be sure to change your air filters prior to the colder months.
  9. Get any existing problems fixed. Cold weather will only make them worse. If your brakes have been bad, the cold weather will make them break down faster. The same is true of any engine problems. Extreme weather changes will intensify your problem. Take your car in to get serviced before it gets cold.
  10. Perform other basic maintenance. This includes oil changes, fluid top offs and flushes, tire alignments, and other basic care. Each of these things needs to be done on a regular basis. Doing so will minimize the likelihood of you having car trouble.

The end of summer marks the perfect time to be sure your car is in the best shape possible for fall and the upcoming winter. Consider the car maintenance tips above when prepping your vehicle.

For money-saving car maintenance tips, check out the video below!

Readers, do you have a car maintenance tip you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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