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1. You Don’t Have to Buy the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Vehicle Parts

Have you been using OEM parts for your used car? Do you know that you can choose an aftermarket part instead? 

An aftermarket part is any car replacement part that is not manufactured by the vehicle’s maker. OEM parts are mostly recommended but because they tend to be more expensive than aftermarket parts, you’ll notice that more people are buying the latter. Some aftermarket parts have the same quality or are even better than the OEM.

Depending on which brand of aftermarket part you’re going to choose, that’s how much you’re going to save. 

2. Get The Most Out of Your Regular Maintenance Visit

Before your scheduled maintenance trip, it’s a good habit to list down all of the necessary parts that you need to be inspected. You can save a lot on labor cost, effort, and time if you’ll be able to have 2 or more parts be examined at the same time.

3. If You Can Do It On Your Own, Do It!

Another car maintenance-saving tip is to train yourself how to do a proper inspection and perform the maintenance yourself. You don’t have to have a degree on 

1. Check your tires at least once a month.
2. Drain your fluids regularly and replace them with high-quality fluids.
3. Replace your engine and cabin filters.
4. Change your wiper blades at least twice a year.
5. Make sure your tires have the recommended pressure in them.
6. Clean your car regularly, making sure it’s spic-and-span is a part of car maintenance.
7. Check all your lights. You don’t want to be under a sudden downpour and not have good visibility because of dull lights.
8. Don’t forget to check the health of your battery.
9. Ease Up On Installing Sophisticated Technology

Sometimes you’re better off with the simplest technology installed in your car. The trouble with sophisticated technology is that it’s expensive to install, maintain, and even more pricy to repair. Cars with sophisticated technology are very complex, so when it breaks down or needs to be repaired, it will require more labor work from the mechanic and a bonanza of replacement parts. More labor and parts mean costly repair. 

5. Try Changing Your Expensive Mechanic

Before you decide on sticking to one mechanic, try to do a bit of research. Most mechanics are reliable, hardworking, and only want what’s best for you and your car. But some are just in it for the money. For you to avoid getting ripped off, educate yourself about the basics of owning a car and knowing how to detect common car issues. 

In case of a repair getting too expensive for you, don’t hesitate to negotiate. 

6. Don’t Forget Your Warranty! It’ll Help You from Spending a Lot More

Some people tend to forget about the benefits of the extended car warranty they have. An extended car warranty’s job is to offset the cost of repairs or parts replacement. Have your trusted mechanic check up on parts that need to be replaced that is covered by the warranty 

Most extended car warranty providers won’t cover wear and tear but there are a few that will. 

Save Yourself from Paying Expensive Repairs with an Extended Car Warranty for Used Cars

With an extended car warranty, you’re sure to get your money’s worth in case of a sudden breakdown or car repair. For a personalized extended car warranty, contact A-Protect Warranty’s representative and they’ll walk you through the different types of coverage package plans. Contact A-Protect Warranty and get your free quote today! 

Key Take-Away

Buying a car, may it be new or used, is a big investment. For your investment to last longer, you have to follow certain maintenance rules and schedules. Expect frequent trips to your trusted mechanic for your used car compared to a new one. And since you’ll need your car serviced more often, you’re going to pay more for it. Follow the six tips above to help you minimize maintenance costs the next time you go and get your used car inspected. 

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Planning on investing in a used car? Did you know that there is a perfect time of the year to catch a great deal for a used car? Take advantage of the seasonal discounts you can get and keep these months in mind.

In this article, we’re going to tell you the best holidays, and months to buy a used car. Timing is everything and when you’ve timed your purchased car on a perfect date, you’re sure to get the best deal.

Holidays with Special Discounts on Vehicle Purchase

1. New Year’s Day

You might be wondering, won’t be New Year a bad time for people to be buying a car since they’ve probably exhausted their money from last month’s December festivity up to the New Year Bash? Well, it’s quite the opposite. Since car salespeople know that there’ll be a few people spending money on cars, they’ll be offering a bigger New Year’s discount.

2. Black Friday

This is probably one of the best holidays to spend your money on purchasing a used car. Black Friday isn’t always just best for shopping but also for car shopping. A survey done by iSeeCars.com stated that there’s about a 33% boost for used car availability.

3. Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the start of summer. What makes this the second-best holiday to purchase a used car is the inclination of car manufacturers to clear inventory and make space for new models that will be launched in the Fall.

4. Christmas Week Special

Christmas Day being at the top of the list on the best time to purchase is no surprise. People have the money to buy but at the same time, they’re looking for a bargain. Besides, it’s one of the best gifts you can buy for yourself. 

Months with Special Discounts on Vehicle Purchase

If you continue reading, you’d notice that all of the months mentioned are the end of each quarter. Sales go up these months since salespeople are looking into taking advantage of the lull moments where purchases are not too often made. 

1. March

When March comes, sales of new cars rise and so do trade-ins. This is why March is one of the best months to get a well-used car dealer since there are a lot of used cars just waiting to be sold.

2. June

Particularly the last week of June is another best time to purchase a used car. 

3. September

September is also a good month to purchase a new car since there are only a few plates are introduced in the market.

4. December

Last but not the least, December is the best time to invest in a good used car. People are not so focused on buying a car in December because they have other priorities to purchase this is why you’ll notice great deals in December.

Here’s a Word to the Wise When Buying a Used Car

1. Buy a Car That Will Last Longer

Purchasing a used car is a used investment on its own. This is why if you want to make the most out of your purchase, you need to make sure that the car can last for a long time. Aside from making sure that it’s a durable car, follow the maintenance schedule to help prolong the car’s life.

2. Find the History of the Car You’re Planning to Buy

Another note that you should keep in mind is to find out the backstory of the used car your buying especially if you’re located in an area where there are a lot of floods and natural disaster. You’ll be able to know the car’s history by looking into the Buyer’s Guide. 

3. Know the Common Issues of the Make and Model

If you know the common issues of the type of model you’re planning on buying, then this is a great advantage for you. This way you’ll be able to plan out if you still want to continue with the purchase. If you think that the issue is manageable, then the next best step for you to do is to purchase an extended car warranty that will cover the common issues that may arise from your purchased used vehicle. 

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If you want to keep driving your car for a long time, then you should follow the recommended maintenance schedule even if it’s a bit of inconvenience for you. In this article, we’re going to list the pros and cons of having your car maintained at a dealership and find out if it is costing you more money.

Pros of Maintaining Your Car at a Dealership

1. You’re Confident That Your Car Will Be Handled by Professionals

One of the best things that a dealership offers is the level of knowledge and expertise the dealership mechanic has when it comes to handling your car. You’re confident that dealership mechanics have been properly trained and kept up-to-date with car issues. They can pinpoint certain problems without investigating too much.

2. For Minor Repairs and Maintenance, You’re Sure That They Have Replacement Parts in Stock 

Another plus point for getting your car serviced at a dealership is the abundance of stocks. This would mean that it would take them less time to finish the replacement or repairs since the dealership does not have to wait for them anymore. 

Not only this but you’re assured to get the best quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vehicle parts. 

3. Dealership Offer Top Quality Equipment and Updated Technology to Service Your Car

Modern diagnostic equipment is so expensive that there are only a few third-party service repair shops that own it. This is getting your car fixed or maintained is better when you go to a dealership since they already have the right equipment for it. 

Sure, it might be a bit more expensive at a dealership but this is because they have what other service repair shops may not have. 

4. You Don’t Have to Worry About Getting Your Warranty Claim Rejected

Have you ever experienced getting your warranty claim rejected or know somebody who did? When it comes to warranty, most providers are uncompromising. One reason that a claim gets rejected is when the provider finds out that the issue resulted from installing an aftermarket replacement part that causes the problem in the first place.

I’m not saying that you don’t have the right to choose an aftermarket product especially if you want to save money, all I’m saying is that you need to be careful when choosing them. This is the reason why if you get your car serviced at a dealership, you’re sure that when you file a claim, it will be approved since the dealership uses OEM parts only.

Cons of Maintaining Your Car at a Dealership

1. You’ll Often Hear Unnecessary Recommendations from Dealership Service Managers

Imagine going to a dealership to get your car serviced for a simple oil change and end up paying $500. Dealership Service Managers have been mistaken to be mechanics but they’re salespeople who are paid on a commission basis. The trouble with having your car serviced by them is the unnecessary recommendations from dealership service managers. They try to upsell products and services that you don’t even need for that certain moment.

2. You Don’t Have the Opportunity to Have a Relationship with The Man That Fixes Your Car

Apart from unnecessary recommendations from dealership service managers, any relationship with the mechanic is nonexistent. The reason for this is that the usual people that you’ll meet at the dealership are people from the management and seldom the mechanic. 

3. Prices for Replacement Parts, Labor Costs, and Maintenance Products Are Expensive

Expensive replacement parts, high labor costs, pricey maintenance is not big news when you are at the dealership. You’re not only paying for the product or service itself but you’re also paying for the brand name and reputation. This is why dealerships are expensive.

Key Take-Away

Indeed, maintaining your vehicle at a dealership can cost a lot of money but this is because of the quality and service that they offer. I’m not saying that you should always choose dealerships and OEM products, all I’m saying is that if you don’t mind paying more to get quality work, then you should choose dealerships. If you’re looking to switch to more affordable parts and service, you have the freedom to choose an aftermarket part and be serviced by your favorite mechanic.

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We all know that all brand new vehicles have a factory warranty included in the purchase. So is an extended warranty still important? It’s not a question of is an extended car warranty an essential purchase because there’s no doubt it is, but the real question is when is the best time.

Well, it depends on you as the consumer. Some people would say that you should buy the warranty even if you’re still covered by the factory because there are some parts not covered by warranty but are included in an extended car warranty. Others would recommend purchasing it just before the warranty expires. 

If you ask me, I’d choose the latter because your car is still new and there is a slim chance you’d need your warranty on the first year from your new car purchase.

Why is an Extended Car Warranty Important?

If you want to continue driving on a worry-free cruise, then you should definitely consider buying an extended car warranty. What the warranty does is pay for the expenses incurred from sudden car breakdowns or expensive car repairs.

Where Should You Buy an Extended Car Warranty?

When buying an extended car warranty, you should always do your research first especially when you’re still trying to decide on which warranty provider to buy from. 

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty, also known as a factory warranty is a coverage plan sold by automakers. There are a number of types of manufacturer’s warranty but the two most popular are a bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty. 

1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
2. Powertrain Warranty
3. Emissions Warranty Coverage
4. Lifetime Limited Parts Warranty
5. Maintenance Warranty Coverage
6. Third-Party Warranty

If you purchase your warranty coverage from third-party providers, not only will you get a better warranty package but you’ll also have a more inexpensive coverage price. Here are some advantages of third-party warranty providers.

1. Freedom to choose your own service repair shop
2. Freedom to choose branded or aftermarket parts
3. Affordable extended car warranty packages
4. Customizable warranty packages

Facts to Know Before You Settle On an Extended Car Warranty Package

Before you settle on an extended car warranty package, here are 4 facts you should take note of so you don’t have to regret anything in the future. It always pays to be knowledgeable and prepared.

1. Your Chosen Car’s History

Why do you need to know the car’s history? It’s simple really – When you know the history and common issues on the make and model of the car you choose then you would definitely know what coverage options to include and what to exclude. 

2. Your Location

It’s important to also take into consideration the area where you live in. Is it an area where there are constant natural disasters? 

3. Your Driving Habit

Did you know that warranty providers actually reward drivers who are very responsible on the road? Yes, you heard me right1 If you’re the type of driver who always follows the speed limit and is very conscious about car maintenance and service schedules, then you’re going to secure some discount.

Purchase and Extended Car Warranty with A-Protect Warranty

Already decided that you’re going to add an extended warranty to your shopping list? Then great news! Head to A-Protect Warranty’s site and get your free quote today! The great part about consulting our professional representatives is that they’ll be able to help you customize your warranty package just for you! Don’t forget, if you want to keep on driving with a peace-of-mind, purchase your warranty today!

Key Take-Away

The key takeaway here is that an extended car warranty is an essential purchase even if your car is new. Here are 5 reasons why an extended car warranty is important.

1. The peace of mind that you get from knowing is in case there’d be any unexpected breakdowns or expensive repairs, you’re covered.
2. The burden of having to pay and do all the paperwork for the repair is taken off your shoulder.
3. The freedom to choose what kind of plan you want to include in your extended car warranty coverage plan. 

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Have you ever asked yourself, “does an extended warranty cover my car’s transmission issues?” Well, this is a good day for you to be reading this article since we will be talking about what an extended car warranty is, what it covers and the other plans offered.

What Is an Extended Car Warranty?

All new vehicles have a standard factory warranty. This warranty protects the owner from paying for an expensive repair. Right before the factory warranty expires, an extended car warranty is offered. 

You have the option to get the extended car warranty from the manufacturer or you can purchase it from a third-party warranty provider. 

An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is a contract that extends the factory warranty coverage for part replacements and repairs.

The Most Common Types of Warranty

Here we’re going to find out which of the 2 most common types of the extended warranty will cover transmission issues. 

1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

A bumper-to-bumper warranty also called a limited warranty, covers almost everything from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Most manufacturers offer up to 3 years / 36,000 miles of coverage. The “limited” part of the bumper-to-bumper warranty is the part where it doesn’t cover everything. 

The question here now is does a bumper-to-bumper warranty cover transmission issues? Unfortunately, due to its limited state, this warranty does not. The examples of parts covered are steering, suspension, heating and cooling, fuel delivery systems, brake systems, and electrical.

2. Powertrain Warranty

A powertrain warranty covers the expenses incurred due to repairs or parts replacement. A powertrain warranty generally covers up to 5 years / 60,000 miles. This warranty covers the parts of your car that thrusts it forward, this includes the engine, drivetrain, and transmission.

Yes! You read that right, powertrain is the warranty that covers the transmission issue. The best thing about a powertrain is that it covers the expensive parts of your car saving you from spending a lot of money on sudden breakdowns and repairs. 

Common Transmission Issues Covered by a Warranty

The 4 most common transmission issues in a car are worn-out synchros, worn-out clutch, dirty transmission fluid, and stalled vehicles. It’s a good thing that these issues are covered by the powertrain warranty so if in case you have transmission problems, you’re sure to get some help from your warranty provider.

1. Worn-out Synchros

Synchros, also known as gear synchronizers, are part of the transmission system that helps stabilize the speed when shifting from one gear to another. If the synchros wear out, expect to have a vehicle failure. Synchros are found in manual transmission cars. 

2. Worn-out Clutch

A clutch is used to help the driver shift gears. There are 2 common reasons for clutches wearing out, one is through human error. When a driver frequently accelerates and shifts gears without releasing the foot from the clutch. Another error is a mechanical error like a hydraulic fluid leak. Worn-out clutches are present in manual transmission vehicles. 

3. Grimy Transmission Fluid

It’s important to keep your transmission fluid clean to keep your transmission working properly. In case of dirty transmission fluid, immediately have it flushed, inspected for defects, and replaced with clean transmission fluid.

4. Stalled Vehicle

Automatic cars use a torque converter to control transmission fluid and keeps your car running while at a stop. If the torque converter fails, this will make your car stall. Some of the reasons why the torque converter fails are when you have dirty transmission fluid, or experiencing overheating. 

Get Your Car Covered with A-Protect Warranty

Don’t let sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs cost you your emergency savings. Purchase an extended car warranty and give yourself some peace of mind whenever you’re cruising down the highway. Get your free personalized warranty quote now with A-Protect Warranty! Not only will you get covered for transmission issues but you’ll also have the choice to include additional coverage that will give you and your car 360 coverage. 

Key Take-Away

When it comes to transmission issues, a powertrain coverage will save you from spending out-of-pocket expenses due to repairs or part replacements. Don’t forget to purchase an extended car warranty from A-Protect Warranty to continue driving a worry-free ride. 

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To keep up with the rising temperature that is brought about by summer, here are ten things you can do to make summer less costly for your car maintenance. 

1. Make Sure That Your Air Conditioning is Working Properly

We all know how hot the summer season can get especially when it’s coupled with dry and humid air. Now imagine being stuck in the middle of a traffic jam and when you turn that air conditioning on, a gust of hot air blasts on your face. You end up sweating and rolling the windows down just to get some breeze. So before you decide on heading out or plan a road trip, make sure that your air conditioning system is working properly. 

Don’t take the air conditioning for granted since this is will help you get through the summer heat.

2. Check to See If Your Engine Coolant is Within Recommended Level

Your engine coolant is working hard to prevent your vehicle from overheating. See to it that the engine coolant is within the recommended level for it to work properly. If you’re going to check the coolant, make sure that the radiator cap is not hot to avoid the bursting of the pressurized coolant.

3. Don’t Forget to Check on Your Tires and Tire Pressure

Aside from making sure your air conditioning is working properly, the next part is to inspect your tires and tire pressure. Double-check the tire pressure and make sure that it’s not under or over-inflated. Underinflated tires are prone to excessive friction while overinflated tires can lead to blowouts. 

4. Swap Your Winter Tires to Summer-Ready Tires

You might think that switching from winter tires to a summer-ready tire is not necessary, but it is highly recommended. Winter tires are made soft and flexible with bigger tread depth which is necessary to be able to have better traction on the road. When you use a winter tire during summer, not only is it risky but cornering, accelerating and braking won’t be as crisp as a summer tire. 

5. Avoid Battery Meltdowns 

Extreme summer heat is not only discomforting but it can affect the battery’s health and causes battery fluid evaporation. So before you plan on a summer road trip, make sure you get your vehicle inspected first. Have your mechanic secure the battery properly to minimize vibration, too much vibration leads to future failure. 

6. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Because your windshield wiper has been working arduously during winter, it’s high time for you to change your windshield wipers. Great visibility is key to safe driving. Summer is the best time to switch since the recommended frequency is every six months. This is a very simple task and you can do this on your own.

7. Inspect Your Belts and Hoses

You can inspect the belts and hoses on your own. For belts, you need to see if there are any cracks present or threads exposed. To check the health of the hose, pinch the hose to check for firmness. If the hose sticks together when pinched, then it’s high time for you to change it. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your belts and hoses, you can always ask your mechanic about it.

8. Change Your Oil and Oil Filter

If you follow your recommended maintenance schedule religiously, then you don’t have to worry about your oil and oil filter. One of the many reasons why you need to change your oil is to make sure that your engine has proper lubrication. Proper lubrication is needed to minimize the friction between the moving metal parts of the engine. 

9. Always Park in the Shade

The best money-saving tip that you should follow to save yourself from spending a lot on maintenance is to protect your car from the harmful rays of the sun. Always park in the shade or invest in a sunshade just in case you won’t be able to find some shade.

Key Take-Away

Bottom line is that you should always take care of your car and never neglect its maintenance needs if you want to keep on driving your car until its wheels fall off. Follow our 9 tips so you and your car can be summer-ready.

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So which is the best thing to do when it comes to cars and saving money? Investing in a new vehicle or keeping your old car? We all know that taking care of something old can take a lot more effort and 

You Have to Follow Your Manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance 

One of the most important things that you should not forget to do is follow the recommended maintenance especially if you own an old car. Old cars need to be serviced based on the accumulated mileage, this means that the higher the mileage is, the more often the car needs to be serviced.

If you disregard the recommended maintenance, this could cause expensive repairs, sudden car breakdowns, or even a dreadful accident. Don’t wait around until you hear alarming noises. 

There’s a long list of things that you need to do to properly maintain your vehicle. Here are 10 basic tips that you need to follow:

1. Make sure that your car brake system works
2. Change all the important rubbers in your car
3. Inspect your battery and make sure that it is corrosion-free
4. Have your transmission fluid and filter replaced
5. Ensure that your coolant levels are full
6. Have your timing belt replaced especially for cars with more than 100,000 miles
7. Make sure that your steering and suspension system works perfectly
8. Never take your tires for granted, have them routinely rotated, and make it a habit to check the tire pressure
9. Don’t forget about your windshield wipers
10. And last but not least, be a responsible driver

You Have to Clean Your Old Car Religiously

The exterior part of your old car might be the least of your worries when It comes to extending its life, but did you know that the exterior part is as important as the interior parts? You have to set aside some time and effort to clean your car even if you have a really busy schedule.

There are three important reasons why you need to clean your car religiously.

1. More often than not, your vehicle is a first impression. If you want to keep on driving an aesthetically-pleasing car, then you should keep in mind that washing your car regularly preserves the beauty of paint and a clear coat. 
2. You may not realize this but driving a dirty vehicle can put you at risk. It’s important to have a clean windshield, windows, and mirror for you to get proper visibility, especially on rainy days. 

Make sure to also clear your interior of any potential blockage, especially the driver’s side, that will prevent you from being able to use the pedals.

3. Don’t wait until your vehicle is bound for some costly repairs on parts that could’ve been avoided if you just took care of your car properly. Tires and wheels are the most common parts of your vehicle that collects dirt, mud, and other harmful elements. If you don’t clean these parts, then expect your tires and wheels to wear faster. We all know how expensive tire replacements are. 

You Have to Regularly Grease and Lubricate Your Old Car

Your vehicle is composed of numerous moving parts that are mostly metal. When one metal moves against each other, it creates a lot of friction and heat which contributes to faster wear of the part. To avoid this, you have to properly lubricate your car may it be old or new. 

The lesser the friction is, the smoother and better the drive will be.  

Get Your Additional Coverage with A-Protect Warranty

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get the best-extended car warranty for old cars with A-Protect Warranty. Talk to our representative and get your free quote today! No obligation!

Key Take-Away

These days, more and more people are holding on to their vehicles for a longer time instead of buying a new one because it’s more practical. There might be a lot of challenges when it comes to keeping your old car in great shape, but paying for maintenance or even repairs will only amount to a small fraction of what you would pay if you will purchase a new car. 

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In this article, we will talk about 6 points you need to keep in mind for you to maximize your tires’ life and avoid any tire issues along the way. 

1. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

If you’re not sure about how to check the tire pressure, it’s pretty simple! You just need a tire pressure gauge, either a standard gauge or a digital one. Before you attempt your first inspection, make sure that your tires are cold. Verify the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your tires. Check each tire for pressure and fill them with the approved air pressure level. 

If you don’t have an air compressor, you can either visit a gas station or give your mechanic a call to help you out. Keep in mind to check your tire pressure monthly.

2. Never Drive with Mismatched Tires

Don’t even think about using mismatched tires, it’s just not safe. As a rule of thumb, in case 1 tire needs replacement and you don’t have enough money to buy a complete set, at least buy two tires and place them in the rear. 

If you only replace that one tire that got punctured, you’re at a lot of risks. You’re going to have to deal with abnormal wear and tear. 

3. Rotate Your Tires for a Smoother Ride

To maximize the life on your tires and for even tread wear, rotate your tires on a regular basis. It is recommended to have your tires rotated at least every 6000 miles. Tire rotation will maintain proper stability and efficient traction on the road. 

There are four ways to properly rotate your tires, and this depends on the type of car you drive.

1.           Forward Cross

This type of rotation is most common in front-wheel drive vehicles. What you need to do is to directly switch the front tire to the back while staying on the same side. For the rear tires, cross them when switching it to the front making an X-pattern on the changeover.

1. Rearward Cross

A rearward cross pattern is when you do the exact opposite of the forward cross pattern. You will directly move the rear tires to the front while staying on the same side. The front tires should cross when it reaches the back for rear replacement. This means that the then right front tire goes to the left-back tire. This type of rotation will best suit rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles.

1. X-Pattern

An X-Pattern is great for front-wheel drive vehicles. This means that you need to switch all four tires in an x-pattern crossing them diagonally. This is to give even tread wear. 

1. Directional Switch

For directional switch, you just need to bring the front tires to the back and vice versa keeping them on the same side. Directional tires have a unique tread pattern to work particularly on the right or left side of the car.  

4. A Bald Head Might Be Sexy, But A Bald Tire Isn’t

Don’t wait for your tires to be on their deathbed before you plan on changing them. I know tires can be costly but choosing to drive with bald tires life will cost you your life. Bald tires are one of the primary cause of road accidents. If your tires don’t have any tread pattern left, this can cause blowouts, improper traction, and too much heat buildup. 

5. Make Sure Your Wheels Are Aligned Properly

Why is it important to have your wheels properly aligned and what does it have to do with the tires? When your wheels are not aligned properly, you will notice unusual wear which is smooth on one side and sharp on the other, also known as “feathered” tires. 

6. Remove Unnecessary Weight

Different vehicles have different maximum weights that they can safely handle. Overloading your car will cause your tires to fail or worse, blowout. It causes a lot of strain on your car and makes it impossible for you to drive properly. Aside from having tire problems, you will be consuming more fuel because your car will need to produce more energy to go forward when there is too much weight.  

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Properly inflated tires are essential for a safe drive. This is the only part of your vehicle that has direct contact with the road. Here are 6 facts about tire pressure for your peace of mind.

1. Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

Correct tire pressure is important for tire maintenance. When you follow the recommended tire pressure from your manufacturer, you’re one step closer to minimizing the fast wear and tear of your vehicle tires.

When your tires are properly inflated, you will have maximum performance and have better control of your car.

2. How Will I Know the Correct Tire Pressure for My Vehicle?

One of the ways to know the correct tire pressure is to look at your owner’s manual. The air inside your tires is measure in PSI (pounds per square inch), and the most common psi range is from 30-35.

There are 3 pressure gauges you can use to find out the tire pressure.

1. Pen-type pressure gauges 
2. Dial pressure gauges 
3. Digital pressure gauges 

When you check your tire, make sure it’s “cold”. You either do this before you drive your car, or wait for about 2 hours or more after you’ve driven your car. Check your tire pressure once a month or before any lengthy travels.

3. What Should I Do to Maintain the Correct Tire Pressure?

The first thing you should do to maintain proper tire pressure is to regularly check it. Some people do a quick check every time they get their gas-filled up. If that sounds a bit extreme for you, you can check it at least once a month. 

When you notice that the PSI level on your tire is over the recommended range, then let out some air until you reach the proper range. If your tires lack air, visit your nearest gas station to use their pump. 

4. What Happens When I Drive with A Poorly Inflated Tire?

Poorly inflated tires do not only mean underinflated, but this also covers overinflated tires. What happens when you drive with poorly inflated tires is that you don’t have good control when maneuvering and that you’re more likely to waste fuel.

Poorly inflated tires are the number cause of tire failures and blowouts. Blowouts happen when tires overheat caused by increased friction of an underinflated tire with the road. 

Overinflated tires can also cause a lot of damage. Aside from experiencing an unpleasant ride from feeling all the humps and bumps from uneven roads, you’ll also have a hard time maneuvering the vehicle with a hard and stiff tire.

5. Should I Consider Weather Condition for My Tire Pressure?

Have you ever wondered why you suddenly find yourself with low tire pressure during colder temperatures? This is because the air molecules tend to move slower and clump together. When the temperature rises, the air molecules tend to move faster and away from each other. 

Some would say that when it’s cold outside, you should inflate your tires automatically, others would say to let it be. The only thing that you should follow is what your owner’s manual says about the recommended psi for your tire. If you’re not sure, visit your mechanic and have them inspect your tire air pressure.

6. Should I Just Rely on Tire Pressure Sensors?

A TPMS (tire-pressure monitoring system) is a device that continuously monitors tire air pressures and warns you when the pressure is dangerously low. TPMS are present in 2008 vehicle models or newer.

The TPMS warning sign only gets triggered when the psi drops down to 25 which is way below the manufacturer’s recommended psi requirement. This is why you shouldn’t rely on tire pressure sensors as an alternative for regular tire pressure check-ups. If the warning light is on, you’re in serious trouble. 

Key Take-Away

Tire issues shouldn’t be ignored. The key to proper tire air pressure is to always follow the recommended manufacturer psi range which you can see in your owner’s manual. Make sure that you do your regular tire check-ups. You can do this on your own by using any of the 3 pressure gauges or you could visit your mechanic just to be sure.  

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These days, more people are looking for ways to save money. Some people choose to eat out less, others prefer to recycle. Did you know that there is a trick you can do whenever you’re on the road to save money? 

In this article, I’m going to tell you 8 tricks to remember to reduce fuel cost whenever you’re driving on the highway. 

1. Make Sure That You Drive Only Within Speed Limit

Aside from driving beyond the speed limit is illegal, mix over speeding with a bad weather condition and that’s a recipe for disaster. But did you know that when you drive only within the speed limit will not only save you your life, but will also do wonders to your fuel?

Yes! You read that right! If you drive within the speed limit, you’re on your first step to saving on fuel cost. What happens when you step on the gas harder Is that the more fuel your engine consumes.  

2. Be A Sensible and Responsible Driver

Don’t go too fast or go on road rage. Stop driving like Tyrese in Fast and Furious or you’ll end up worse than just getting a fender-bender. There are a lot of risks involving aggressive driving. For one, driving aggressively is an accident bound to happen. Another is faster wear and tear on your vehicle, and lastly, a waste of fuel.

3. Avoid Idling Too Much

Whenever you need to do a quick stop, you might be thinking that idling won’t do much damage to your car. Well, it won’t but it can consume fuel as much as half a gallon per hour. Remember to turn off your car whenever it is parked. 

Excessive fuel consumption only equates to excessive and unnecessary fuel costs.

4. It Costs Lesser to Decelerate Than to Keep Use the Brakes

Instead of relying so much on your brakes, try to anticipate traffic and decelerate whenever you can. To minimize fuel cost and improve car economy, change your bad driving habits such as harsh braking. 

Choosing to decelerate first instead of harshly braking will also reduce the wear on your brake since you will only need to hit the brakes when your car is at a lower speed. 

5. You Don’t Need That Much Weight

Remove unnecessary things inside your vehicle. There are 2 important reasons why it’s necessary to remove excess weight.

1. You’re going to save a lot on fuel consumption when there’s less weight since your car will also need less power to pull.  
2. You’re going to have a better performing vehicle and maneuvering it will also be easier.
3. Try to Keep Your Speed Steady

Another trick to saving fuel cost is to maintain a steady speed. Aside from being on the safe side, keeping a steady speed will help your engine perform efficiently. Without having to do sudden accelerations will save you from consuming excess fuel. This may take a bit more practice but eventually, your patience will pay off.

7. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Keep your tire properly inflated with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Proper tire inflation and pressure are important in order to prolong the life of your tire and contribute to safe driving. 

Proper tire inflation also gives you better fuel mileage. This means that you can go further without having to stop every now and then to gas up.

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You’re already here wanting to know the tricks in reducing fuel cost, get some peace-of-mind too by ridding yourself of the responsibility of paying expensive repair costs.

Key Take-Away

The key to reducing fuel costs whenever you’re on the road is to basically be a responsible driver. Once you change your bad driving habits and follow these 8 simple tricks, not only will you be able to reduce fuel cost but you’ll also be less prone to accidents.