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10 Car Maintenance Tips To Prep for Winter

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car maintenance tips
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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Should You Buy Your College Student a Car?

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cars and college students
Preparing for college can be stressful. Oftentimes, many questions arise that you’ve never considered, like should you buy your child a car for college? When it comes to cars and college students, there are a number of things to consider before making a decision.

Financial Considerations

Whether or not your child needs a car at school depends on a number of things. Obviously, you want them to be able to travel to-and-from the grocery store and visit home without any mishaps. However, it may not be all that necessary for them to have a car on campus. In fact, many schools prohibit first-year students from having a vehicle on campus.

This is to promote freshmen to be more involved on campus and not travel home as much but it can have its financial benefits as well.

The average 18-year-0ld pays $3,148 in insurance each year. Annually, you can also expect to spend more than $1,200 on gas, $800 on maintenance, and around $700 on licenses, taxes, and registration. Not to mention that if your child decides to bring a car on campus they will also have to pay for a parking pass as well as other parking costs.

It is also good to consider the financial perks of having a car on campus as well. Although having a car may be expensive, on-campus stores usually charge high prices for snack items. Having a car can help save money on groceries. It can also provide a way for them to save money when traveling home for the holidays. Instead of an expensive plane ticket, they’ll be able to drive their car.

All in all, you will need to weigh out how much you stand to save vs how much you stand to lose when sending your child to school with a car. This should determine whether or not you decide to do so.

Best Cars for College Students

If you’re going to spend the money on it though, it is a good idea to do research and determine which car may be a good fit for your child. Luckily, Edmunds releases a list of best used cars for college students each year. Parents considering purchasing their college student a car should think about the options listed below.

  • 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid: On average, a newer used Honda Accord runs about $16,430. It gets 49 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. It is a popular car amongst college students because of its fuel efficiency and utility (seating up to five).
  • 2013 Volkswagen GTI: The GTI has an appeal to people who love cars. You can get a 2013 GTI for around $13,826. This model gets 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
  • 2014 Mazda 3: Comparable to the GTI, a Mazda 3 is a bit more affordable at an average price of $12,770. It also gets better gas mileage at 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
  • 2016 Toyota Rav4: For students looking for a bit more space and utility in their vehicle, there is the Toyota Rav4. You can get a 2016 model for around $21,235. It isn’t as great on gas mileage (23 city/30 highway) but you’ll have plenty of space for road trips.

When it comes to finding a car that will be safe and provide value for your student, you’ll want to go newer but used. Each of the options above, along with a number of other used cars may be the perfect fit for your child. The key to finding the right car is determining what will fit your budget, shopping around, and comparing prices as well as weighing needs and wants.

Readers, do you think you should buy your college student a car? 

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Buying vs. Leasing: Which Option is Right for Your Next Car?

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buying vs. leasing

In 2017, new vehicle sales crossed the $1 trillion mark across all franchised dealerships, representing 17.14 million cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. During the first half of 2017 alone, 2.1 million vehicles were leased. Buying vs. leasing, which would is best?

While buying dramatically outpaces leases by far, the latter still represents a large part of the automobile industry. In many cases, leases seem like attractive options, mainly because the advertised monthly payments are substantially lower than what usually comes with a loan-based purchase.

However, it’s important to look beyond the monthly cost if you want to figure out whether buying or leasing is right for you.

Richard Reina, the Product Training Director at CARiD.com, shared his insight on the battle of buying vs. leasing, allowing you to better determine which approach is actually better for your situation.

Buying vs. Leasing: Which is Financially Smarter?

According to Reina, buying is usually less expensive than leasing in the long run. The attractive monthly lease payments you see in commercials are commonly for “low-mileage leases,” meaning they are well below the average amount of mileage a person drives in a year. Mileage caps limit the number of miles you can drive per year as part of the contract. Exceeding that amount comes with a financial penalty, and it can be large.

Most leases require large down payments, usually between $1,000 and $3,000, and you then have to contend with the monthly payments. At the end of the lease, which usually lasts 36 months, you have a choice. First, you can make a “balloon payment,” a large payment that covers the rest of the vehicle’s cost all at once. Second, you can surrender the vehicle and lease or buy a new car. But the real issue with leasing is this: you never get out from making monthly payments.

When you buy a car, you own it. You don’t have to deal with mileage caps and can keep the car after you finish making payments. Most vehicles will last far longer than the time it takes to pay off a loan, as long as you get proper maintenance, giving you a chance to come out ahead.

Does It Ever Make Sense to Lease?

In some cases, leasing does make sense. If you want a new car every few years, then leasing gives you that ability. Then, you’ll always have access to the latest technology, which can be a benefit.

Additionally, most leased cars are under warranty for the duration it is in your possession. That can provide peace of mind.

Many leases also include routine maintenance. For your monthly payment, all of your basic needs are met. It may make luxury cars more affordable, as long as you can function within the mileage limits.

Best Way to Negotiate a Lease

Negotiating on a lease is harder than on a purchase, but it is possible to do. Typically, leases come with the lowest monthly payment possible and require a certain down payment, but there may be some wiggle room.

Examine the interest rates and down payments to start. Additionally, ask the salesperson what the selling price of the vehicle is for the lease. There usually isn’t much room for adjustments, but it never hurts to try, especially if you are a well-qualified shopper.

It’s important to note that it is possible that you won’t qualify for a lease, as credit checks and similar evaluations impact the final approval. Furthermore, you need to understand that you don’t build up equity in these arrangements. While you are responsible for wear and tear, you don’t own the car unless you purchase it when the lease is complete.

Best Way to Negotiate a Purchase

If you decide that buying is the best choice for you, then you need to be ready to negotiate. In comparison to leases, you usually have more room to get a good deal with a purchase.

Begin by researching the vehicle’s invoice price, since this is what the dealer paid to have the car on the lot. This information is usually accessible from resources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and TrueCar.

Ignore the MSRP, as this sticker price only represents what the dealer is asking for the vehicle. When a car is in demand, the markup between the invoice price and MSRP can be thousands of dollars.

Don’t try to work your way down from the MSRP. Instead, start at the dealer invoice price and negotiate up.

Negotiation Tips and Tricks

Negotiating a lease or purchase is usually stressful or even overwhelming. If you are nervous or inexperienced, consider bringing a friend or family member along. Not only can they give you advice, but they also serve as an objective third-party. They will keep your best interests in mind and aren’t likely to get emotionally attached to a vehicle or let their feelings impact their decisions.

Also, don’t succumb to the pressure if the salesperson tries to make you stick to a decision right away. Often, it’s best not to formally agree to anything at all on the day you start looking. Instead, consider sleeping on it. This will help you think with a clearer head since you are away from the salesperson.

While waiting means you might miss out on the vehicle, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of automobiles around. Unless you are shopping for an incredibly exotic car (and even then), finding a similar car for sale is usually easy.

Read The Contract

Whether you decide to lease or buy, you always need to read the contract. All of the details are in the paperwork, and your signature means you agree to those terms. If you see something you don’t like or understand, point it out and ask questions. In some cases, you can negotiate certain fees away, and you can always back out of the deal if you haven’t signed on the dotted line.

Ultimately, in the buying vs. leasing debate, either approach is viable. Consider your goals for the car, such as how long you want to keep it and how far you need to drive it, first. Then, examine your budget and see which option seems like an ideal fit. Finally, negotiate, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the deal.

A car is a big commitment whether you buy or lease, so you should always proceed with caution, no matter which option you choose.

What are your thoughts about buying vs. leasing a car? Tell us about your experience below.

Looking for more great articles? 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.

Summer Car Maintenance Tips to Beat the Heat

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`Summer Car Maintenance Tips

Summer temperatures put additional strain on just about every part of your car. Keep your vehicle rolling smoothly with these easy seasonal maintenance tips that save you money down the road.

Replace the Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter prevents dirt, debris and bugs from getting into the engine. Most mechanics recommend changing the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you live in an area with increased pollution or dust during the summer, check your engine air filter more frequently.

The cost of a new engine air filter averages between $36 and $86.  However, ignoring your engine filter can result in major engine damage that will require it be replaced: The cost of a new engine is $3,000 to $8,000, plus thousands more for labor.

Flush the Radiator

A car’s radiator works harder during warm summer months. Over time, blockages form inside the radiator, making the system less efficient, and your car more likely to overheat — potentially cracking your head gasket. Replacing a head gasket is a very expensive repair, costing between $731 and $1771 depending upon vehicle type.

A better course of action is to have your radiator flushed to remove the blockages. The average cost for this service is between $50 and $155 and most mechanics recommend having it done every 36,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual for what’s recommended for your vehicle.

Check the Tires

You can save an average of $637 that you would otherwise have to pay to prematurely replace all four of your tires — just by manually checking whether they’re properly inflated.

You’ll want to do this because there’s no automated sensor for over inflated tires like there is for deflated tires.

Yet hot weather increases tire pressure, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear.

So, inflate your tires to recommended pressure found on the inside of the driver’s door.

Charge the Air Conditioner

A hot and steamy day isn’t the time to find out your car’s air conditioner needs to be recharged.

Turn it on early in the spring and pay an estimated $123 to $156 to refill your car’s refrigerant if needed.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter prevents pollutants from getting into the cabin of the vehicle.

Car manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but people who live in or drive through areas with lots of pollution may need to change it more frequently.

Not changing the cabin air filter will not effect the performance of the engine, but will affect the climate control system, making for an uncomfortable ride due to higher summer time levels of unsavory smells and pollutants coming directly into the cabin.

The cost to replace your cabin air filter is between $40 and $100, depending on the type of care you have.

Summer Car Maintenance Is Well Worth It

These summer car maintenance tips are easy, affordable, and well worth their price to keep your car in tip top shape in the summer heat.

Readers, is your car ready for summer? When’s the last time you gave it a tune-up?

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Read more articles related to car ownership and maintenance:

7 Ways to Negotiate a Car Price Down

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<img src=" 7 Hacks to Negotiate a Car Price Down.jpg" alt”pictureofredmustang">
When you shop for new cars, the price you see on the sticker typically isn’t what you have to pay. That leaves room for you to negotiate a car price down.

Dealer markups on new vehicles can vary dramatically. Small cars and high-volume vehicles usually have retail prices approximately 5 percent over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

However, the markup on luxury brands and upgraded models may be closer to 10 percent.

While this definitely means you have room to negotiate, you do need to know how to approach the discussion to get positive results.

1. Timing is Everything

Most car salespeople and dealerships receive commissions based o their sales, at times according to specific thresholds. Typically, these bonuses are awarded at the end of the month, quarter, and year.

By waiting until the end of one of these periods to buy your car, you may get a better deal.

Also, if a salesperson is close to crossing a threshold to the next tier’s bonus or commission rate, she may be more willing to bargain. Even if she takes a loss, the incentive increase could offset it, making the deal more attractive to her.

2. Know the Value

Before you begin negotiating a car price down, you need to know the vehicle’s real value. Luckily, a range of online resources can help you do just that.

Sites like Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar can give you information about fair prices in your area.

Usually, these prices are based on recent sales data from your region and other information about the car’s actual worth.

3. Find Discounts

Car dealers offer a range of discounts to buyers, but you have to know they exist to get them.

For example, military members, veterans, and their families may qualify for automatic price reductions; AAA members may also be eligible. In some cases, new graduates can get a discount in the months near graduations. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers may also receive price reductions.

Being loyal can result in cash off too. If you currently own a vehicle of the same make or previously made a purchase at that dealership, see if the seller offers loyalty discounts.

Sometimes, details about these reductions are available on the dealership’s website. However, you can also ask toward the end of the negotiation process.

4. Say “No” to Add-Ons

After negotiating a price, you are typically sent to the office to solidify the sale. But, even at this juncture, that doesn’t mean the dealership is done trying to upsell you.

At this phase, attempts to sell add-ons are common. This can include anything from sealants and rust proofing to insurance and maintenance packages.

Generally, these add-ons won’t be the best possible deals, so stand firm and don’t hesitate to say “no.”

5. Don’t Mention Trade-Ins

When you negotiate the price of a new car, mentioning your trade-in can actually hurt your position. Dealers will use your current vehicle to make it seem like you are getting a better deal than you actually are.

Instead, act as if you don’t have a trade-in. Negotiate the sales price of the new vehicle completely and make sure to get everything in writing. After that, pretend you had a change of heart about the trade-in and negotiate that separately.

Ultimately, this increases your odds of getting a good deal on both arrangements, providing you with the most value.

6. Shop Around

Playing dealerships against each other can result in significant savings. However, you have to do the legwork to make that happen.

Before you commit to a purchase, speak with multiple dealers. That way, if one location offers a lower price, you can mention it to the other dealership and see if they can beat it. Plus, if that second salesperson tells you to take the other offer, you know you’ve hit a reasonable price.

Just make sure you get a commitment from each dealership in writing. Otherwise, you only have your own word when speaking to other salespeople, and that usually isn’t enough. Plus, if the first price really was good, you’ll have something to fall back on. If you don’t get it in writing, the first dealership doesn’t have to offer you that deal again, so you may miss out.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

If a dealership isn’t willing to negotiate a fair price, there’s no obligation for you to keep trying. Present your bottom line and don’t be afraid to be firm. Additionally, let them know that you are willing to walk and be ready to follow through.

Then, if they still can’t meet your price, head to another dealership and see what they can do. Another dealer may be more willing to bargain. Plus, if the first salesperson was bluffing, they may contact you later to try to save the sale.

However, it’s important to understand that walking away can be risky, especially if you don’t have anything in writing.

As mentioned above, a dealership doesn’t have to honor a previous verbal quote. This means that if you have a good deal in front of you, you need to be smart.

Don’t just make a hasty exit in the hopes of getting an even better price (essentially by bluffing). Doing so could backfire, so it’s vital that you keep that in mind.

By following the tips above, you can negotiate a car price down. Just make sure to do your research, are ready to wheel and deal, and won’t hesitate to walk away if the need arises.

Readers, do you have a favorite tactic for negotiating a car price down? Tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

Read More About Autos

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How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value?

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<img src=" How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value.jpg" alt”vehicle interior">
One might think that hybrid cars might retain value better than other types of autos, but alas that’s not the case. The second any kind of car leaves the lot with its first owner, it loses approximately 10 percent of its value.

At that moment, a $30,000 hybrid car is suddenly only worth $27,000. That’s a pretty big hit for something that’s practically brand new.

While you can’t entirely stop a hybrid car from depreciating in value, some of them lose it faster than others.

Factors like the condition of the vehicle and current mileage also impact value, regardless of the make and model.

How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value?

On average, a vehicle depreciates 15 to 25 percent for each year during the first five years of ownership. This is on top of the 10 percent you’ve already lost.

These calculations do include nearly every major make and model on the road, and there are times when some vehicles might depreciate differently than the average.

Ultimately, depreciation is a reflection of supply and demand. If supply exceeds demand, resale values fall. When it’s the other way around, and demand exceeds supply, then the hybrid car doesn’t depreciate as quickly.

Demand for Hybrids

Yes, this means in-demand models hold more value. However, it’s important to realize that other factors affect demand for hybrids.

Whenever gas prices rise, hybrids become more desirable, while low gas prices may decrease interest.

For instance when gas prices were soaring in 2013, around half a million new hybrid vehicles hit the road. But when fuel costs were lower, in 2017, only 360,000 units sold. This clearly demonstrates the shift in demand.

Hybrid Cars That Hold Their Value

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is likely to retain its value best over the next five years, dropping only to 33 percent.

Other solid options are the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid at 31 percent and the 2018 Toyota Prius at 30.1 percent.

However, when it comes to a resale value comparison, none of the hybrid cars made it into the top 10 on Kelley Blue Book’s list.

Toyota Tacoma

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma keeps 61.1 percent of its value over five years, showing just how different even a winning hybrid car comes in.

Currently, trucks and SUVs are in demand, so many of the most reputable makes and models outperform hybrids when it comes to depreciation.

Additionally, the average vehicle maintains 33 percent of its value over five years, and only one of the hybrid cars hit that mark.

Calculating Hybrid Car Depreciation

In some cases, you can estimate how much a hybrid car depreciates in value using a Cost to Own calculator that factors in depreciation rates.

There are also many car depreciation calculators available online, but some don’t factor in essential variables.

For example, the age of the car isn’t the only relevant point when it comes to depreciation. The number of miles on the hybrid vehicle is incredibly important.

Physical Condition

Also take into consideration the car’s physical condition. In some cases, an estimated value calculator may be a better choice for determining your vehicle’s depreciation rate.

Try checking out what similar hybrid cars cost in your area and use that to gauge your vehicle’s worth.

You can also use an estimated value calculator is see how various factors influence depreciation. You could adjust the information about the mileage or condition and see how it impacts the final number.

Are Hybrid Cars a Wise Choice?

So far in 2018, hybrid cars are depreciating in value faster than the average vehicle as of 2018. However, if you choose one of the models that holds its value better than others, you may be able to get closer to the average.

Additionally, as time goes forward, hybrid cars may retain their value more effectively. The technology is more robust and increasingly affordable, which will help sway things in a positive direction.

Readers, do you own a hybrid vehicle that’s holding its value? Tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

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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.