An honest guide to avoiding common car ownership mistakes
If you’re anything like the average driver, then you share a very special relationship with your car. Heck, it’s not that uncommon to question whether you might actually love your vehicle more than your spouse. Unfortunately, just like your partner, there are times when you’d probably be quietly relieved to wake up to find that it has been stolen. In truth, though, those problems are usually your fault rather than the vehicle’s. And it all starts with the car purchasing process.
Buying a car is always exciting, even if you opt for an old one. However, there’s nothing worse than rushing the process only to realize you could have had something better by waiting. Again, see the notes about your partner for further vindication. By checking the 2017 car release date schedule, you can make a far better decision. This may mean waiting for a new model, or simply allowing a future release to help the cost of a 2016 version fall.
Once you’ve found the perfect model, it’s tempting to assume the hard work is done. It isn’t. If you’re buying a new car, it may be worth considering leasing. Of course, it’s nice to say you own the car, but you will probably get bored at some point. While trading in your partner for a newer model is probably best left in the realm of fantasy, your next car purchase won’t be your last. Opting for a lease makes it a lot easier to keep updating, and will often save money in the long run too. Perhaps more importantly, though, you need to think about the running costs too.
Finding a car that you like the look of is all well and good, but it doesn’t mean everything. Using your love life as a reference point once more, there’s every chance that at least one ex had great appearances but was lacking elsewhere. Ultimately, if the car doesn’t perform as you desire, it isn’t the right one for you. Before committing to any purchase, a test drive is always essential.
That moment of driving away in your new car for the first time is more exciting than any moment you’ll share with friends or relatives this year. Having said that, those feelings can soon fade unless you’re willing to put in a little extra effort. Unfortunately, if you fail to give your car the love it deserves, it will punish you. More specifically, it will punish your pocket. As such, simple maintenance jobs like maintaining the tyre pressure and fluid levels can go a long way to avoiding major damage.
Even the most careful driver is likely to encounter a few problems, and it’s important to have regular servicing to remain safe on the road. Sadly, though, you’re equally reliant on the competence of other drivers. If that isn’t an incentive to be prepared for the worst situations, then what is? As well as finding the best insurance quotes on the market, a dash cam could be one of the best additions you’ll ever make.
In truth, it would take something spectacularly bad to ruin your relationship with the car forever. Still, paying that extra attention and taking those precautions will always have a positive impact. Isn’t that the least you deserve.
** This is a collaborative post
