Top 8 Car Tips for 2018

Each year we share a number of car tips with our reader’s. From safety to organizational hacks to car buying, we’re breaking down our five favorite tips from 2018.

1. Before buying a new car, check with your insurance company

   After you’ve picked out the car you want to buy, and before you sign on the dotted line, check in with your insurance company to gauge what your new rate will be. Newer cars often have higher insurance rates, so you might be paying a lot more than expected. It’s definitely worth it to shop around for the best price, and NerdWallet has a handy price comparison tool to make the process a lot easier.

2. Use PVC pipes for garage storage

   PVC pipes are perfect for storage rakes, brooms, and basically anything with a skinny handle. Simply cut small pieces of 2-3 inch PVC pipe and use industrial glue to attach to the wall of your garage. The handle of will slip through the middle of the PVC pipe and keep the tool upright.

3. Avoid water spots when drying your vehicle

   After washing your car, break out the microfiber towel and squeegee ASAP. The sooner you dry, the less chance of water spots and streaking. Start by drying the windows, as those are most prone to water spots, then follow up with our Safelite Glass cleaner to get them extra clean.

4. Check your car maintenance before leave for a road trip

   Nothing can ruin a vacation like unexpected car repair. Take your vehicle to your local repair shop for a full service check and tune up, and have your road trip check list handy. In addition to your standard oil change, you’ll want to make sure your car battery is free of corrosion, your tire pressure is correct, and engine coolant is topped off. These seemingly small preventative measures can save you some big cash in the long run; plus you won’t be stranded on the side of the road – priceless

5. GasBuddy is your new best friend

   Gas prices vary pretty drastically in different parts of the country, so when traveling it’s a good idea to know which areas have the cheapest gas. Before your trip use the Gas Buddy Trip Cost Calculator to map out the cheapest stops on the way to your destination. This will help you plan ahead of time how much you’ll spend on gas, allowing you to budget better. You can also download the GasBuddy app and don’t forget to check prices when your tank is at ¼ full.

6. Consider changing your wipers

   You should be changing your windshield wipers every 6 months or 6,000 miles, unless they show wear and tear sooner than that. Also consider swapping out your current set for an all-season set that also help to clear snow and ice. Check out our wiper blade infographic for more info on how to know it’s time to change your blades.

7. Shop for a new car at the end of the year

   Buying the current year’s model at the end of year is an easy way to get a great deal on a new car. New models are typically out by this time, so dealerships are in a hurry to make room for new inventory. According to U.S. News and World Report, October through December, as well as New Year’s Day, are the best times to purchase a new car.

8. Create a storage bin index for your garage

   Storage bins are great, until you forget what’s inside each bin. Create a bin index by labeling each bin in your garage with a number and making an Excel sheet with the contents located in each numbered bin. Update the index as you add and remove items.

There you have it –our best car tips of 2018. Which tip did you find the most helpful? Stay tuned for more Safelite car tips in 2019!