Teaching is a noble and essential service. All of our children need to be guided and trained for the future, and teaching is an important component of preparing them for adulthood. But teaching is one profession that is commonly known for lower wages. With many school districts across the country experiencing budget cuts, teachers are increasingly expected to cover more of their educational costs out of pocket. So it’s not surprising that a number of teachers prefer to drive previously owned cars. Since cars are being manufactured with longevity in mind, many teachers are keeping their cars for longer periods of time, and there are many ways in which they can keep driving long after making the final payment on their cars. 

Choosing a Reliable Model

These days, there are a number of car manufacturers providing high quality, reliable cars at an affordable price, including staples like Hyundai and Toyota. Even with a tighter budget, a teacher can choose from a variety of models from these manufacturers without sacrificing quality. Many newer models of cars from various manufacturers are made to last for over 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, keeping teachers on the road for many years. To get the car over the 200,000-mile mark, it is necessary to keep up with routine maintenance, including regular oil changes and tune-ups to keep the car running its best. 

Keeping an Excellent Maintenance Record

Teachers expect their students to study and turn in assignments on time, so it’s likely that they do their own homework when it comes to taking care of their car. The owner’s manual will provide guidance on when to perform regular services like changing the oil and the battery. It also helps identify parts that need regular inspection and replacement like belts and brake pads. By researching car maintenance, teachers can also determine how their local climate affects the need for regular maintenance. Living in a place that is prone to extreme hot and cold temperatures could impact the length of battery life. Regularly driving on roads treated with magnesium chloride and not washing it off can impact the wear and tear on parts in your car’s engine. Knowing what services to get at which intervals as well as how the weather might impact their car can help teachers keep their cars on the road for a long period of time. 

Often living on lower salaries, it is necessary for many teachers to stretch their paycheck, and one way to do so is to drive a car long after it is paid off. Most newer model cars are very chic for a long time. Unlike older models, they usually feature sleek lines and style that easily matches current car styles. Rather than looking dated in a decade, today’s cars blend in with the newer styles. Besides, so many people are keeping their cars longer, so it’s harder to discern a car from 2010 from one that was made in 2018. By choosing a brand known for its quality and keeping up with routine maintenance, a teacher doesn’t have to worry about reliable transportation to and from work and other school-related activities. 

Buying An Extended Warranty Or Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

If a teacher is driving a car that is older with higher mileage, chances are likely that it may need to be repaired at some time during its lifecycle. Opting for an extended warranty, such as mechanical breakdown insurance or a vehicle service contract, can help car owners save on out of pocket expenses associated with car repairs. Olive offers a number of Hyundai Extended Warranty Options | MBI & VSCs | cover it. olive it. Many Hyundai models are covered under the various plans, so a teacher can choose the plan that most closely aligns with their needs and budget. Opting for the additional coverage that comes with a warranty, mechanical breakdown insurance and a vehicle service contract gives peace of mind to teachers that their car is protected and their finances won’t suffer in the event of a major mechanical failure. Experiencing a car breakdown is stressful enough without being responsible for the bill. 

Teaching is an often underappreciated profession, and many teachers are required to make do with salaries that aren’t on par with all of their responsibilities. They are also supplementing school-provided equipment with their own money. As such, saving is a must, and teachers need to identify more ways to balance their budgets. Choosing reliable cars and driving them for longer periods of time, and protecting those investments with an extended warranty, is helping our teachers keep their cars for a long time without worrying about expensive car repairs.