Owning and Maintaining a Car in Canada

Everyone loves the freedom that comes with carpayments.
ownership. Owning and maintaining a car in Canada• Fuel expenses
involves a number of expenses. There are a number• Motor oil and other fluids
of measures one has to take in order to keep a• Car insurance
vehicle on Canadian roads. Failure to meet all• Maintenance and repairs
government mandates regarding car maintenance can• Replacement of parts such as a muffler, battery,
result in fines or seizure of the vehicle.alternator...etc.
No matter what province you live in, you have to abideOver time, these costs can add up. Fortunately, there
by the Provincial Ministry of Transport's vehicleare measures that you can take that will lower costs.
regulations. When you buy a car, you are responsibleWith the cost of fuel so high, you may want to
for securing and paying for the following: registeringpurchase a car that has high mileage. Have your
and renewing the vehicle, obtaining and making surevehicle serviced on a regular basis as it will reduce the
your driver's license is up-to-date. You also have toincidents of parts breaking. Make sure you have your
secure the transfer of ownership, vehicle inspectionoil changed frequently. Before winter, get an
stickers, administrative fees or handling taxes, andundercoating to protect the car from damaging road
acquiring the appropriate vehicle insurance. All of thesesalt. Keep the exterior of the car washed, waxed, and
details are expenses that you will incur on top of thefree of scratches and dents. Don't drive the car too
purchase price of the car. It is important to considermuch. Also, you should replace old and worn out tires
these expenses when you purchase the car.and rotate the tires regularly. Your tires will last longer if
If you are short on money, you may want to consideryou keep them inflated and aligned.
purchasing a used vehicle. As well, it is important to beA used car can save a driver a lot of money.
aware of the fact that it is the law that all cars mustInsurance will be cheaper and the taxes you pay will
be registered with the provincial motor vehicle licensingbe less than if you bought a new car. There is a good
agency where you live, and must be insured. Youchance that there will not be any parts warranties so
should always keep your license, registration, insuranceyou have take replacement part costs into
papers, and vehicle permit in the glove department ofconsideration.
the car. Car insurance can be expensive, but it is theOnce you purchase a car, you have made a serious
law, and will protect you and your car if you are in aninvestment that requires regular care. By understanding
accident.all the expenses that are involved with maintaining your
Annual expenses that you will normally incur whenvehicle, you will have an easier time finding ways to
maintaining a car include:cut costs.
• If you lease a car you will have to make lease