In these tough times, women and families are looking for creative ways to cut back and save. Car care services and repairs can be costly and right now a large percent of women car owners are holding off buying new and need to find the best value for regular maintenance and or service and repairs. Costs for basic services like oil changes or brakes can vary quite a bit at between local repair or service centers.

Here are some tips to help you save money on car care, repairs and service for you car and keep you and your precious cargo safe on the road:

TIP #1: You will save money and costly repairs in the long run by keeping your vehicle current on recommended service intervals in your car manual, (you know that book in the glove box you never read!). Not to forget when you keep your vehicle maintained properly you get optimum fuel economy, that right you will save at the pump, too!

TIP #2 : Doing your homework and comparing specials and money saving service coupon offerings at local dealerships, repair centers, tire centers and quick lube oil change locations can save a bundle. Almost every automotive service and repair center or car dealership runs coupon specials year round, check websites for online coupons, coupon mailers and always ask what specials they are running when you call for an appointment. Be sure and read the fine print as all coupons have expiration dates and terms and conditions. Be sure to state the coupon you want to redeem and have the person booking your appointment confirm you can use it and exactly what it will cover,( always read the fine print on service coupons).

TIP #3: Don't trade quality over price it will cost you big time - Make sure you use a reputable car dealer, repair or service center that specializes in the work you need done or specializes in working on your specific make or model. Do they have certified ASE technicians? Do they belong to the Better Business Bureau? Check their ratings on Yelp or other rating sites to see if they are receiving many complaints or rip off reports before you take your car in.

TIP #4: Are you a DIY woman? Find and take a basic car car clinic and learn how to do basic maintenance checks and minor services yourself like oil changes, replacing wipe blades, fluids and how to keep your tires inflated properly. This will save several hundred dollars a year in labor costs.

TIP #5: Order a free Car Care Guide from the Car Care Council to learn more about the how and why of saving money, reducing fuel costs and keeping your precious cargo safe by keeping your car in top running condition. They also have a nice online version for the eco-woman to bookmark for later use.

Make sure you get all these items checked before your summer road trip by a qualified, reputable service center or learn to 'Do It Yourself':

- All fluid levels, including engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer
- Tire pressure and tire tread depth and condition (Also, have the spare tire pressure checked)
- Brakes
- Belts and hoses
- Windshield wipers
- Lights
- Air conditioning operation

One last TIP - Be sure to check and refill and restock your emergency road car care kit! I am sure you all have one right???

Jody DeVere

President & CEO
AskPatty.com, Inc.
www.askpatty.com
www.certifiedfemalefriendly.com
www.jodydevere.com

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