When budgeting every month or year, it is hard to predict things like the impact car crashes may have on your financial health. However, it is possible to take several steps to minimize serious damage to your vehicle, both through crashes and other concerns. The following five tips will help your vehicle stay safe and minimize your damage repair costs, improving your budget and your insurance costs.
1. Turn Your Phone Off
Every year, thousands of people crash because they simply couldn’t put their phones down while they were driving. Even if you’re using voice-to-text or other time-saving measures, distracted driving is still dangerous and can cause serious damage to your vehicle if you get in even a small crash.
If you have a serious phone addiction or need to stay in contact with workers while you drive, pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot when you talk on the phone to avoid damage.
2. Plan Your Playlist
When you’re going on long trips or just handling your morning commute, you may have a playlist that keeps you pumped and excited. Whether you’re playing it off your favorite CD or streaming from your phone, it is a good idea to create your list ahead of time and simply let it play out.
Try to plan your list based on your travel time and, when playing off your phone, just put the phone down and let it play. Streaming directly from your phone’s memory card, rather than a service, can minimize outages and ensure you don’t unconsciously grab at your phone and cause an accident.
3. Park Carefully
Did you know that drivers in the United States spend 17 hours on average every year trying to park? This situation can lead to plenty of potential crash problems, as frustration mounts, and you try to force an awkward park. Or you may park in such a way that damage is all but assured.
In this situation, it is wise to check out parking spot rental options near you and to utilize them ASAP. These rental options are a great way to avoid damage because you won’t be seeking out a parking spot for hours and can, instead, park in a garage or protected area where a crash risk is minimal.
4. Practice Regular Maintenance
Every year, almost 50,000 Americans die on the road, partially because of serious accidents caused by poor maintenance. Making sure that your budgeting includes rotating tires, brake repairs, oil changes, and more can ensure that your vehicle stays safe while you’re on the road.
Even better, these upgrades and important steps can keep your run from experiencing more severe problems, such as a failing engine and much more. Pay attention to these simple processes and talk with your mechanic to stay safe.
5. Balance Your Mirrors Properly
Did you know that you can eliminate your blind spots by simply balancing your mirrors properly? It’s true! Your side mirrors must be level with the road and adjusted to just past the point where you can see your car in them. Tweak your rearview mirror so that it’s level, and you can see the road behind you.
This balance creates a nearly perfectly 180-degree view behind your vehicle, one that can help you avoid damage when driving and backing up. It is still wise to check your blind spots as you drive simply to get in the habit of watching where you go as you change lanes.
Following these simple steps can help with your car damage budgeting and minimize serious financial troubles at the same time. By driving more safely, parking better, and handling any minor car damage, you minimize serious concerns and avoid long-term problems. Just as importantly, you can also get rid of your blind spots and feel more comfortable and safe when driving in tight situations.
