Student Survival: Car Maintenance on a Budget | Midas

Tackle Any Problems Immediately

Let’s look at an example: if your brake pads have worn down and need replacing, then its best to replace them as soon as possible. Aside from the unpleasant squealing, you’ll have to endure, your brake pads will be unable to protect the callipers and rotors from some serious wear and tear. Getting your brake pads replaced as soon as possible will save you a lot of further maintenance costs in the future.

Keep Up with Car Maintenance

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is actually incredibly easy to let your WOF or vehicle service fall by the wayside. Students with low funds need to prioritise their spending, and if your WOF expires in the same month you need to buy a new textbook, you might decide to try and push it a month or two. The problem is, that’s going to present problems a few months down the line.

Aside from the tickets and fines, you’ll have to pay for not having your vehicle’s certifications up to date, having an outdated warrant of fitness or a long-overdue service is a sure-fire way to let impending problems slip under the radar. It’s much cheaper to get the services done when required, catch any problems early, and keep your car running in tip-top shape.

The great thing is that your WOF and services are easily schedulable. You’re able to set a budgeting goal for yourself and put away a little bit of money each month, so by the time the day arrives to get a service or WOF you are prepared. Write down the date of renewal for your vehicle’s certifications, and prioritise them when you save each month – the rest is cake!

Look After the Little Things

There are small things that students can do at home to keep their cars in good shape, helping to save money on repairs. We’ve listed a few below.

• Replace your windshield wipers. You should be checking these at least once every six months, and replacing them at least once a year. Faulty or dirty wipers are dangerous in low-visibility conditions, as they can obscure the road when you most need to see it, inciting potential crashes or costly damage. Don’t forget to top up your washer fluid as well.
• Check your fluid levels. Your under-bonnet fluids - such as the coolant, transmission fluid and engine oil – are all vital to the health of your engine. Check the levels of these regularly using the dipsticks provided, and if they start getting low you should either top them up or have them flushed.
• Maintain good tire pressure. Every second time you go to get gas, or every time you head out on a long drive, check your tire pressure at the local gas station. Flat tires are a one-way ticket to warped wheels, low gas mileage and myriad other issues. Keep on top of this and you’ll be surprised how much happier your car is.
• Keep your car clean. Finally, make sure your car is clean both inside and out! Rust is a killer of automobiles, and rust comes from long periods of no cleaning. If you can afford it, try to get your car waxed once every six months or so to keep the water and other debris off.

If you follow these tips and tricks to the best of your ability, we can guarantee that your car is going to serve you faithfully for a very long time. And remember to get a vehicle check from your local Midas if you are considering purchasing a new vehicle, so we can let you know what you might be in for. Safe driving!

Come and see the peace of mind mechanics.

At your local Midas, our number one priority is keeping you safe on the road. If you need a quality service or repair at an affordable price, you can trust the people at Midas to give your car exactly what it needs. Come on into one of our auto-shops or give us a call today.