Haven’t got around to buying an ice scraper yet? However tempted you may be to use an alternative to scrap the ice off your car, here are some tools you should not use because they will scratch the glass, making it more difficult to see properly and more likely for the glass to eventually chip and crack:

• spatulas

• credit cards

• magazines

• CD cases

• hot kettles or other sources of steam

• metal tools

• fingernails

If you don’t have an ice scrapper on hand, the best thing you can do is to wipe the ice and snow off the car with a piece of clothing and then drive or push the car to a warmer place to allow the ice to melt.

As simple as it may sound, keeping your windscreen clean will go a long way towards ensuring a lasting life for it. This is because is harder to spot cracks and chips on dirty windscreens, at least until the breaks are big enough to be difficult (or impossible) to fix. Cracks are especially bad in winter, as snow and water can slip into the glass or even into the car, causing major damage.

If you notice a chip or crack, take the car in to be fixed immediately. The mechanic will most likely inject a plastic resin into the chipped area, which is then allowed to dry and polished until it becomes unnoticeable. The longer you wait to repair the crack, the more chances it will expand to the point where you will need to replace the whole screen.

Most people skip engine tune ups until something major comes up and then complain about having to spend major money in getting the car back into shape. This can be avoided by sticking to routine tune ups every 35,000 miles (for those who don’t drive much, tune ups every two years should do it).

Because tune ups are expensive, it makes sense to learn how to do the basic care yourself, so you can save some money. Some things anybody can learn how to do right at home include:

• clean the fuel injector if it becomes clogged

• change the spark plugs if the wires become damaged or every 35,000 miles

• replace the timing belt if it becomes too loose

• replace the distributor cap, rotor and condenser every time you do a tune up. Many new models don’t have any of these components anymore, but those that do should be kept under check

• Replace belts if they appear worn (even if you feel they can last longer)

• adjust the clutch often

• keep the fluids under check and replace or replenish as necessary

• don’t forget to check the battery often

• change the air filter if it gets too dirty or every 15,000 miles (whatever comes first)

Keeping your car in top condition doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, it’s the little things that you do on a regular basis that will help you keep your car running well and save you money in big repairs down the road.

• Change the oil every 3,000 miles.

• Wash the car every 3-4 weeks, more often if the car is always kept outdoors or in harsh winter conditions (road salt can damage the painting and cause rust). Waxing at least once a year will also help preserve the finish.

• Have a general tune up and under-the-hood check every six months (as a minimum). If you hear unusual noises or if the car feels different at any time while you’re driving it, have it check sooner.

• Rotate the tires at least once a year to prevent uneven wear.

If you’re trying to save money when shipping your car, terminal shipping may be the way to go. When you choose your option, your car is actually sent to a shipping terminal (sort of like a large warehouse)

rather than shipped directly to your door. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you choose door-to-door delivery, your v

ehicle may end up in a terminal if you’re not home at the time the car shipping company attempts to deliver your vehicle. If the chances are high that you will miss them, consider terminal shipping.

You will need to confirm this form of delivery at the time of booking, and make sure you have the address of the terminal at hand, so you can drop by to pick up the vehicle as soon as you hear that it has been delivered. Also, negotiate a lower price for terminal shipping, even if it’s not originally offered by the company.