Owning a car can be one of life’s greatest privileges. These immense pieces of machinery can allow us to explore everything that the world has to offer, or just help us get from point A to point B. But, like all good things in life, cars require a lot of maintenance and TLC. So, without the right type of resources and support, our humble cars can eventually be rendered useless, potentially leaving us stranded within the confines of our area. As such, if you’re keen to keep your car on the road for many years to come, this article will tell you everything you need to know about finding a trusted insurance company.
1. Figure Out Insurance First
Car insurance is mandatory in 49 of the 50 US states, making it one of the most imperative assets when owning a car. These policies offer you financial coverage in the event of an accident, ensuring that you have enough money to cover any looming medical bills or auto body repairs. As such, this type of insurance is vital for those who consistently drive along treacherous roads and are eager to keep themselves safe at all costs. The average cost of a car insurance policy depends on several different factors, such as the make and model of your car and where you live. Yet, Bankrate explains that the average American can expect to pay $2,104 per year. Admittedly, this is a pretty costly investment and may be too much for regular drivers to afford. Luckily, there is an abundance of home and auto insurance services available on the market, meaning that drivers can protect both their properties and vehicles from any potential damages. This can also be a lucrative way for drivers to save money on their policies, with Insurance.com explaining that by purchasing a home and auto insurance bundle, you could save an average of 15% annually. Thus, by working to find a trusted insurance company, you can spend this extra cash on the things that matter most, such as a luxurious holiday or a set of shiny new kitchen gadgets.
2. Repair Any Cracks Right Away
Small pieces of debris such as gravel, hail, and stone, can come into contact with our windscreen, leaving them vulnerable to frustrating chips in the glass. Though this glass is incredibly strong and durable, it can still suffer a lot of damage and destruction. As such, if you start to notice a few chips forming on the glass, you should get in touch with a windshield repair service straight away. This is because if it’s left to fester and gets worse, it can lead to your windscreen cracking entirely. As a result, this puts certain drivers at risk of terrible accidents and injuries. In turn, you may have to look into some auto glass repairs, if your vehicle has gone past the point of no return. If you manage to catch these faults early, the cost to repair them is reasonably affordable, with My Windshield explaining that it costs $100 to $150 to repair a chipped windscreen. However, if your car requires a complete windshield replacement, this cost soars up to an average of $250 to $500. However, it should be noted that these costs can be lowered significantly if you put a claim in with a trusted insurance company. Thus, by getting these issues resolved quickly, you have the chance to save a lot of money in the long run.
3. Make Sure Your Brakes Are Functioning
Brakes are an imperative part of any working car, so drivers must continue to keep them in good condition. If your car is consistently making annoying squeaking noises or is struggling to slow down at high speeds, you should reach out to some local brake repair services as soon as possible. These services will typically supply you with a trained contractor who will begin by assessing the overall quality and condition of your brake system. If the worker notices some minor issues, they may decide to replace the parts, meaning that you can get back on the road quickly and smoothly. Yet, if your brakes are all out of sorts, it may be better to replace the whole system entirely. According to AutoZone, a complete brake replacement, including a new set of pads, rotors, and calipers, is priced at $300-$800. Even though this may seem like an excessive cost for some, there’s no denying that an effective brake system is vital for any car, so for the majority of drivers, this seems like a very necessary cost to pay. If you consider yourself to be an amateur mechanic, you can fix this system for yourself. However, it’s advised that you use a trusted insurance company to help pair you with an experienced and helpful expert so that you can avoid any potential mishaps or accidents.
4. Upgrade to the Newest Technology
Just because your vintage car may not be best suited to a Tesla EV charger, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t add a few contemporary features to your car. Even simple assets such as GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and electric windows can help bring your precious car into the 21st century. As such, this is a great technique for classic car owners who are keen to keep their vehicles up and running for many years to come. Keyless remotes are a very common aspect of modern vehicles as they allow drivers to enter their cars without having to physically put a key inside a lock. These gadgets use a series of simple radio waves to help communicate with a radio receiver inside the car. Thus, drivers can now unlock their cars with the simple click of a button. However, some drivers tend to misplace their keyless remotes, meaning that they often have to rely on a trusted insurance company to help them get a replacement. Scurich Insurance Services states that it can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 to replace a smart key, which can lead to a large dent in a driver’s finances. But, these examples of high-end technology are a key asset for avid car lovers, who consistently want to give their vehicle an added sense of TLC.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Though none of us want to think about it, driving is associated with an immense number of risks. Whether it’s potential car accidents or break-ins, all of these issues can put us in great jeopardy. Not to mention, some of these problems are not related to criminal activity, so you may have to contact a trusted insurance company instead of the local authorities. However, frustrating these problems can be, they can usually be resolved quite quickly with the right help. For example, if you accidentally leave your keys inside your car, you may have to reach out to a trained locksmith. These contractors may have to use a selection of key blanks or cutting machines to help you enter your cars or retrieve the original set of keys. Forbes notes that a locksmith will usually charge $75 to $100 to physically enter your car. However, if you would prefer that the locksmith simply duplicate your car key, this service would be just $50. So, depending on the circumstances, this could be a very affordable service. In turn, drivers are also encouraged to create a small savings pot to help them handle emergency costs, ensuring that they don’t have to break the bank to get out of a difficult situation.
6. Check Your Tires
Tires ensure that they can travel in style and a safe manner, but they also require a lot of maintenance. Some states also require drivers to use a special type of car tires for the winter months to help them travel through vast amounts of snow and ice. Plus, if these tires are not implemented correctly or in good time, you could be left with a pretty hefty fine. Winter tires are a lot more rugged compared to their counterparts and often provide drivers with narrow cuts and deep treads. Michelin notes that a good rule of thumb is to add your winter tires as soon as the temperature drops below 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celcius Despite being an essential asset to some drivers, winter tires can be very expensive. Kelly Blue Book explains that a set of 4 premium winter tires could cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000. It should also be mentioned that some drivers can receive a large discount on their car insurance if they use their winter tires during the colder months. Thus, this is also a great initiative for drivers to create a policy with a trusted insurance company.
7. Find a Reputable Mechanic
Even if you’ve been loyal to the same mechanic shop for many years if they cannot fix your car effectively, it may be time to find a new one. Mechanics offer a wide variety of useful services, from basic maintenance tasks like changing the oil to more advanced services like replacing worn-out parts. Since these contractors are highly skilled in so many different areas, drivers must collaborate with the right type of mechanic to help them receive the best service every time. If you’re looking to find a new mechanic shop in your area, start by reading through a collection of online reviews or asking your nearest and dearest for advice. This allows you to gain a better perspective on your new mechanic, ensuring that you can view them in the same light as any other crucial service, such as a trusted insurance company. According to Auto Nation Mobile Service, the average mechanic typically charges $75 to $130 per hour. As such, you’re bound to find a new local mechanic who can adhere to the needs of your car and your budget.
8. Keep Things Looking Good!
Alongside selecting the most appropriate insurance policy and making sure your brakes are in good shape, it’s also important that your car looks attractive and stylish. Even if your car is a little bit unusual or off-beat, you can still use an array of decorative elements to help it stand out. Vinyl stickers, quirky seat covers, and decadent accessories can all give your car a sense of flair, ensuring that it can travel on the open road in style. Plus, they can also help drivers place a bit of their personality inside their cherished car. Yet, if you’re looking to give your car a complete makeover, you may be better off contacting an acclaimed auto painting service. These contractors usually dip your car in a zinc phosphate solution, making it easier for them to apply a uniform and sleek coat of new paint. Therefore, this simple act can give your car a new lease on life and potentially increase its overall value. This is particularly beneficial for those who are looking to sell their car in the next few months and wish to get the best result on the market as possible. The cost of painting a car depends on the type of car as well as your desired color, but Autolist explains that the average driver could expect to pay as little as $300 and as much as $4,500. So, this type of service gives drivers the perfect excuse to invest in their car, helping them to receive a higher return on their investment in the long run.
If you’re fortunate enough to own a car, you’ll understand how much time, effort, and energy goes into keeping it functioning well. Some of these services can also be very costly, placing drivers in a particularly difficult financial situation, especially if they don’t own a policy with a trusted insurance company. However, with the right resources and providers, you can keep your car in excellent condition and use it as often as you like. Thus, if you want to support your car and extend its longevity, be sure to use the tips and tricks listed in this article.
