Use Your Tax Refund For A Safer Car

For many Americans, tax season means a small cash bonus in the form of a state or federal refund. In 2019 the government gave back money to an estimated 111.8 million Americans and the average refund was around $2,869. You can use that money to pay off debt, go on vacation, buy something fun, or you can reinvest it into something that will benefit you in some way. 

There are many things you can do with your refund, but we have a few suggestions that have to do with your car. Your vehicle is probably one of your biggest financial investments besides real estate. You should want to protect that investment as much as possible. Car repairs and updates can be costly so refund season is the perfect time to do the little things you've been putting off that can make your car safer to drive, extend its life, and cut down on maintenance issues down the road. 

Here are a few things you can spend your extra cash on that have to do with your car: 

Get an annual tune-up

Most people don't want to spend the extra money to get their car tuned up but regular checkups can mean less costly repairs in the future. Think of it like taking yourself to the doctor for a checkup. During a tune-up your belts and fans will be checked, fluids topped off, tire rotation and alignment, and much more. Tune-ups can make sure your car lasts longer and runs more efficiently. 

Change the oil

If you often forget (or intentionally forgo) oil changes, then now is the time to get it done. Your car performance suffers from dirty oil changes, then now is the time to get it done. Your car performance suffers from dirty oil and being low on oil can seriously damage your engine. You should get an oil change several times a year or every 3,000 miles just to be safe. Regular oil changes can help keep your car healthy longer. 

Buy new tires

There are an alarming number of people out there driving on old worn-out tires. This means that a blowout on the highway is a huge risk. A high-speed tire pop can send your car into a tailspin and cause a major accident. Properly functioning tires make it easier to stop short and control your vehicle. If our car shakes a lot it could be a sign that you need new tires or that they are out of alignment. You can also check the tire tread to see how "bald" the tires are. 

Update your auto insurance policy

Call your Claremore auto insurance broker at least once a year to update your policy or just to check-in. making sure you have the best deal and the best coverage is an ongoing job, not something you want to set and forget. You should occasionally check rates and discounts and shop around for the best deal. Your broker can help you do this easily and make sure you get the most for your money.