Common expensive car mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Many Americans rely on a car to get them where they need to be. The average American drives an average of 12,785 miles each year, according to the Federal highway Administration. Each day, Americans drive about 25 miles and spend about an hour in their cars. All that time spent in your car can lead to wear and tear on your vehicle. If not taken care of properly, minor car issues can turn into expensive mechanic bills. However, by picking up good driving habits and ensuring your car receives proper maintenance, you can protect its real sale value and avoid surprise bills.
Here are common, expensive car mistakes and how you can avoid them.
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Driving long distances while the engine is hot.
Your car can overheat if you drive long distances on extremely hot days. If you push your overheated engine, you could end up with a big bill for a blown gasket head. The cost to replace a gasket head costs between $1,400 and $1,900 on average, according to theautomotivedude.com. You can avoid this expensive car mistake by watching your temperature gauge and monitoring your coolant levels. If you catch your engine running hot, pull over, turn off your air conditioning and blast the heater.
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Driving until you are on empty.
Whether it’s because you hate to pump gas or don’t always have the cash to fill up your tank, many people wait until the last second to stop at the gas station. However, driving your car until it’s empty could cost you. Your car’s fuel pump dispenses gas from the tank to the engine. It uses the gas from the tank as a lubricant and coolant. Left without enough gas, the fuel pump is put under stress and could fail. The average cost for a fuel pump replacement is between $750and $950. To avoid this issue, feed your car the gasoline it needs and don’t drive your car on empty.
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You ignore your dashboard warnings.
Are you that person who has multiple dashboard warnings when they turn on their car? Living life on the edge like that could lead to big repair bills. It’s important to pay attention to warnings from your brakes/ABS, power steering, airbags, oil and cooling system. It’s vital to address the check engine light. Ignoring these indicators can lead to dangerous issues and failures in other car systems. The best way to avoid these warning icons is to get regular maintenance on your vehicle. If one of these lights does pop up, take it in as soon as possible, and avoid driving it until you can.
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Driving fast over speed bumps and potholes.
We’ve all been there. You are speeding along when you feel that jolt unexpectedly. Cities are full of potholes and bumps, and it can be hard to avoid them all the time. Be mindful when driving through areas you know have damaged roadways and avoid them when possible. If you see a pothole, safely decrease your speed. Potholes cost Americans $3 billion a year. Common problems caused by potholes include damage to the tires, wheels, suspension, exhaust and body.
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You keep driving your car when it’s making sounds.
Cars make strange sounds when they need repairs. There are some common sounds to look out for. Knocking is a sound many drivers dread. It can indicate an engine problem. Grinding under the hood can be another indication that there are problems with your engine. If your car is making noises while you shift gears, you may have a transmission problem. If you hear a squealing noise when your car accelerates, it could be a problem with loose fan belts. If your car is rattling, it might be an issue with the exhaust. Strange noises won’t go away on their own. Avoid a costly bill by taking your car into the service department or mechanic when you hear new and odd sounds.
How to pay for expensive car repairs.
If you have already made one of these expensive car mistakes, you might already be in for a big mechanic bill. If you don’t have the cash on hand to cover a costly repair, you could be without a car until you can save up. That’s not an option for many people who rely on cars to get to work and take care of family.
If you need fast cash for an emergency car expense, Uprova.com can help. We have helped thousands of borrowers get the funding they need for a wide range of expenses. You can request between $300 to $5,000 for repairs. We offer low APR, flexible terms and industry leading service. Plus, it does not impact your FICO credit score to get started. You can fix your car and get back on the road with a personal loan from Uprova.com.
Summary
Cars require routine maintenance to continue to function properly and maintain their resale value. Continuing to drive your car without adequate gas or when the engine is overheating can lead to costly repairs. Letting strange noises continue unaddressed and avoiding dashboard warnings are other ways to cause significant damage to your car’s internal parts. Safe driving can also help you avoid costly repairs.
If you do make a costly mistake or you drive an older car, you may be faced with an expensive car repair bill. Uprova.com can help with fast and easy funding up to $5,000. Learn more about our lending options today.