Just because the economy is in a sour patch and the auto industry is fighting tooth and nail to stay afloat doesn’t mean it’s time for us to panic.  We girls have got to stick together and if that means hitching up our skirts, tightening our belts and doing whatever it takes to save a little green in the long run, so be it.  We can do it!

Cars for Girls has a multitude of automotive maintenance articles to show you the way; from simple car repairs to information that can help you make the right decisions about everything from buying and selling new and used cars to finding the right mechanic.  You’re sure to find something on Cars for Girls that can help cut costs and save you money.  

Here’s a refresher list of just a few articles to help you save some extra cash in these tough times:

• Learn how to replace wiper blades.

• Learn how to check the oil – Checking the oil in your vehicle is one of the most important and yet also one of the easiest things you can do to assure your vehicle is in tip top shape and ready for the road. 

• Learn how to buy a car battery and how to install it correctly.

• Ask these ten questions when buying a used car – When you’re in the market to purchase a used vehicle, preferably one that’s dependable, reliable and can get you from point A to point B without problem, it’s best to ask a few questions first.

• Discover my simple remedies for sticky situations – Occasionally, things will suddenly get stuck; your horn won’t stop blaring, your brake lights won’t go off or your turn signal stays on for miles.  While these things can be embarrassing, annoying or downright frustrating, here are some common sticky problems and some simple solutions you can try if you can’t get to a mechanic right away.

• Learn how to replace a faulty headlight

• Check out these nine ways to save money on auto insurance – While shopping for car insurance is a necessity, it can be time consuming – especially when you’re trying to get good coverage for the best rate.  Shopping around and getting quotes from various insurance companies is a good idea, especially if you can do it online.  Not only does shopping for car insurance online save time, it can also save you money.

• Try these seven tips for buying a used car – In addition to 10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car, there are other factors to consider when taking the plunge and whether you’re buying from a private party or a dealership, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

• Discover how to change an air filter – Changing an air filter is one of the easiest things you can do yourself and save a few bucks in the process, too.  Most recommend changing the filter every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, but check with your vehicle manual to be sure.  If you live where the climate is dusty or there’s quite a bit of stop-and-go traffic in your daily travels, you’ll probably want to check your air filter more frequently since it can get clogged with dust, bugs and dirt, which will eventually cause wear on your engine, lousy gas mileage and lousy performance, too.

• Learn how to hypermile- What’s the newest trend in motoring, you ask?  Well, it’s called hypermiling and the purpose is strictly to achieve the maximum mileage we possibly can in fuel efficiency by making concise changes in the way we drive, especially in hybrid vehicles, but anybody can do it.

• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – We’ve all heard the saying, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it’s the same with vehicles we own – a little maintenance now can help prevent costly repairs later.

Your turn: Have you been cutting back? Doing your own automotive maintenance and repairs? Learning something new?  How have you been saving money in the economic downslide?

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