We all love to drive around in a great looking car ? there is the pride of ownership as well as the reaction you get from people looking and admiring your vehicle. You also will save a real packet if you spend a few minutes each week on checking your vehicle and maintaining it regularly but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune ? the point is to save you money today as well as when you come to sell your vehicle and seek to recoup your initial investment.

Make Sure the Gas Cap Fits Securely!

Simple and cheap to fix but how many Americans are driving around with an insecure gas cap? Gas is highly gaseous and will escape through any exit if you don't keep the gas cap securely fitted. This is a sure fire way to save you money and improves your gas mileage.

Exhaust System

You must make sure the exhaust system is working as it ought to ? it removes excess gases from the engine and is vital in maintaining engine compression and integrity. A poor exhaust leads to severe fuel wastage as well as loss of engine power and the neighbors in the next town will hear you long before they see you as the exhaust also acts to drown the sound from your engine.

If you are feeling wealthy, you can also upgrade to a more efficient exhaust system which will set you back some initial investment money but will save you a significant amount in gas.

Use Vinegar on Your Windshield Wipers

When you are cleaning the car, use a soft, clean cloth soaked in ordinary vinegar to clean the wiper blades. This will clean them more thoroughly than soap and water while when they are in use they will not leave streaks and smears across your windshield.

Use a Pay For Car Wash Service

Many car washes use recycled water when they are cleaning your car and this in turn provides a significant benefit for the environment while at the same time giving your vehicle a thorough professional clean.

Keep Your Battery Terminals Clean

Maintaining clean battery terminals and contacts is essential if you want your engine to fire up every time. Be careful because your battery contains highly corrosive sulfuric acid which will corrode not only the terminals and affect the charge being transferred but also affects how well the battery is recharged when the car is being driven.

Use a solution of ordinary bicarbonate of soda at the rate of one teaspoon to one quart of ordinary water, but make sure you wear protective gloves when you do this. You can maintain the terminals by applying Vaseline to all the electrical contacts as this will act to prevent corrosion by allowing the metal to come into contact with water.

Looking after your car need not be something to take over your entire weekend but if you are prepared to invest a little time on a regular basis you will be able to spot simple things that you can immediately put right and prevent from becoming a serious issue requiring the garage to fix ? and that is where the largest number of repair dollars get spent!