When it comes to automotive repair, the best approach for all vehicle owners is preventative maintenance. Properly taking care of a vehicle can diminish the need for unexpected and costly repairs or roadside breakdowns. Finding an automotive repair shop that you can trust is the essential, so you know the work you are getting down is needed and done properly.
There are many things you can do to keep your vehicle running well for a long time. For example, you should rotate the tires every 7,500 miles or when recommended by the car manufacturer as some vehicles are different. According to the Car Care Council, the timing belt should be replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
Automatic transmission fluid needs to be checked every 5,000 miles. A transmission checkup is extremely important. Getting a blown transmission can cost thousands of dollars to repair or could simply be the end of your vehicle. Taking care of the transmission, having it checked regularly, and having the fluid flushed and refilled when needed will extend the life of your transmission.
According to one study, not having vehicles regularly maintained costs the economy over $2 billion each year. Preventative car maintenance can seem costly and unneeded. However, the cost of preventative maintenance is a fraction of the cost of car repairs.
Something as simple as making sure you get the oil changed regularly can drastically extend the life of your engine. Rotating the tires will ensure they wear down evenly avoiding a tire blow out. Maintaining the breaks and having the lines checked will reduce the risk of the brakes going out expectantly.
When you go in for an oil change, have the other fluids checked. A small leak in a line can be detected before it becomes a major problem. Going to a mechanic as soon as you start hearing a belt squeal can save the aggravation of having a belt break while you?re driving.
Automotive repairs can be very costly, and for many the cost is prohibitive. Preventative maintenance is easy to put off when you are counting every dollar. However, it is important to keep in mind how important it is for you to have a reliable running vehicle. Following up on preventative maintenance will be the difference between having a running vehicle and not.
Find a mechanic you feel you can trust. One that will explain to you what need to be done and way. One that can provide you with pricing up front and will be clear about what should not be put off and what can be put off if financial decisions need to be made. You want a mechanic that has your best interests in mind and won?t talk you into unnecessary purchases or services.