How will you spend your tax refund? Flat-screen TV? IPod? Clothes? Here's a better idea for your money: spend it on your second biggest investment, your car or truck.
No matter whether it's an oil change, replacing brakes or new belts and hoses, or catching up on required maintenance, that periodic repair bill is a drop in the bucket compared to monthly payments on a new car. The bottom line is that a properly maintained vehicle is safer, more dependable, more fuel efficient, less polluting and more valuable when it is time to sell.
It's estimated that $62 billion in vehicle maintenance and repair is not performed every year, evidence that there is considerably more consumers should be doing to protect their automotive investment. Budgeting for and doing preventative maintenance on your car is one of the best ways to cut your costs and keep your car performing reliably.
This doesn't only apply to those with older vehicles. Most people don't realize that regular maintenance must be performed in order to keep your warranty valid. The smartest way to get a solid return on investment is to keep your car through that period of time after the payoff when your car is still in great shape and needs only modest repairs. Consider investing your tax refund in the vehicle that you rely on daily. You won't be sorry.
