Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Hey there, neighbors. Jim Gotsis here from Integrity Tire & Automotive Center. Whether
you are coming to see us at our Port Richey shop or our Trinity location, I know that the
cost of keeping a car on the road is a major part of your monthly budget. Living in
Florida is great, but our environment is actually pretty tough on vehicles. Between the
salt air near the coast, the humidity, and the heat that feels like it could melt the paint
right off your hood, your car has to work harder here than it does in other states. I want
to help you take the guesswork out of your finances by showing you how to plan for the
“when” instead of the “if” regarding your car repairs.
A good rule of thumb for any driver is to set aside a specific amount every month for
maintenance and repairs. For most modern vehicles, saving between $75 and $100 a
month will cover your routine services and build a safety net for larger repairs like a set
of tires or a brake job. If you are driving an older vehicle with over 100,000 miles, you
might want to bump that number up a little bit. It is much easier to manage a small
monthly “payment” to your own savings account than it is to deal with a sudden $800 bill
for an unexpected alternator failure.
In Florida, your budget needs to account for a few specific items that wear out faster in
our climate. The first is your battery. In cooler states, a battery might last five or six
years. Down here, the heat accelerates the chemical reaction inside the battery and
causes it to fail much sooner. You should plan on replacing your battery every three
years. Similarly, you should budget for windshield wipers at least twice a year. The
intense sun bakes the rubber until it is brittle, and you do not want to realize they are
shot in the middle of a heavy downpour on the Suncoast Parkway.
Your cooling system is another area where you cannot afford to cut corners. Because
your engine is fighting high ambient temperatures nearly year-round, your coolant
needs to be fresh and your hoses need to be in good shape. I recommend budgeting for
a cooling system flush every two to three years or as your manufacturer suggests. This
simple maintenance prevents your engine from overheating, which is a repair that can
cost thousands of dollars if it leads to a blown head gasket. Spending $150 now on a
flush is a smart way to protect your larger investment.
I also encourage you to take advantage of the full written inspections we provide at both
our Port Richey and Trinity locations. When we perform an inspection, we can tell you
exactly what your car will need in the next six months. If we see that your tires have
about 5,000 miles left or your rear brakes are at twenty percent, we put that in your
report. This gives you a clear timeline so you can adjust your savings goals. There is no
reason to be surprised by a repair when we can see it coming from a mile away.
At Integrity Tire & Automotive Center, we believe that an informed customer is a
confident customer. We want to help you stay ahead of the curve so you never feel like
your car is a burden. Maintenance is always cheaper than a breakdown, and a little bit
of planning goes a long way in keeping your vehicle reliable for years to come. If you
want to know exactly what is on the horizon for your car, stop by and let us give you a
clear, honest look at your vehicle’s health.
Until next time, this is Jim Gotsis reminding you Integrity is not just our name; it’s how
we do business.
