How is your transportation affected during these tough economic times? With the unemployment rate at record highs and the threat of more layoffs and business closings to come, new vehicle sales are considerably low. Even if you currently have a job, are you willing to undertake a new 48 or 60 month car note? Purchasing a new or used vehicle may not be a viable option at this time, so caring for the one you have now may be the most realistic course of action.

Take care of any big problems first. If your car or truck is not as dependable as you need or want it to be, it's a good idea to think about investing in the maintenance of the engine, power train, transmission, and other mechanical parts. If there are already mechanical problems, you should definitely have these repaired so that they won't bring about more problems and multiply any future repair costs. Additionally, be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for preventative maintenance and the schedule by which they should be performed. Preventative maintenance can save you a significant amount of money by catching potentially big problems before they happen.

Maintaining the best appearance of your car or truck requires only an occasional washing and waxing, and the use of a high quality vehicle cover. Car covers and truck covers are especially useful when your vehicle does not enjoy the shelter of an enclosed garage. But, even if you have an enclosed garage, car covers and truck covers are useful when you are away from home, at work, on vacation, or in any location where a protective shelter for your vehicle is not available. Truck and car covers protect your vehicle from exposure to harsh weather conditions, including rain, ice, snow, sleet, and the sun's harmful UV rays, all of which can cause considerable damage the appearance of your vehicle over time.

Taking proper care of your existing vehicle rather than yearning for a new one will save you a lot of money, especially in these uncertain economic times. You might be surprised to see how long your car or truck stays in good working order when you follow basic steps to maintain it. If you do, it may be a long while before you will need to worry about your transportation situation again.