Auto repairs can be expensive enough, and neglecting routine your car’s regular maintenance can drive those costs up even higher. All too often, customers bring their cars to a mechanic and learn that the major repair they are shelling out hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for could have been easily avoided with some simple preventative maintenance. Here are some tips on how you can use a car maintenance schedule to cut car expenses in half.
What Is Routine Car Maintenance?
When we talk about routine (or preventive) car maintenance, we mean having your automobile checked out for normal wear items before something is wrong. By the time the check-engine light is on, or a gauge is reading really high, something has gone seriously wrong with your car. There are many components on your car that just plain wear out from normal use. Most of these items are inexpensive to replace, but can cause major trouble (expensive trouble) for other parts of your car when they completely fail. Your local mechanic has a trained eye that can identify worn items that need to be replaced, before they completely fail. Some of these common wear items are:
- Engine Oil
- Oil, Air, and Fuel Filters
- Transmission Fluid
- Brake Pads and Fluid
- Belts & Hoses
- Batteries
- Tires
- Wiper Blades
- Fluid levels (Including Coolant and Power Steering)
- General Tune-up Parts
When Should I Have my Car Maintenance Done?
Car maintenance should be done at regular intervals. How often it is done depends on your individual situation. For example, if you live close to work and drive many short distances, your car will need regular maintenance more often than someone that does mostly freeway driving. Commercial fleets, or work-trucks, will require even more frequent maintenance schedules. Many other factors go into the frequency of having an automobile checked by a professional; such as the age and mileage of your vehicle. Even if you don’t put many miles on your car, an auto that sits a lot is prone to excessive dry-rot of rubber seals and gaskets which will lead to failure. All car manufacturers have recommended service intervals for specific systems in the car. Talk to your mechanic to determine the best schedule for your car.
Where Can I Have Car Maintenance Done?
The best way to begin a regular car maintenance schedule is to take your car to a trusted local mechanic and have him inspect it. He will then be able to work with you to determine what is best for your vehicle, and your budget. Dealerships are expensive, and most chain garages hire inept mechanics that are not certified. Find a reputable and honest local certified mechanic team to take care of your car maintenance. Read reviews of them, and see what the community is saying about them. Other customer’s reviews will give you a great idea of how the business operates, and whether you will be treated fairly when visiting their facility. Locally owned mechanic shops can also be more flexible in how they handle each customer, and can provide the service that you need.
So, call All Around Auto Repair today for your car, and learn how to use a car maintenance schedule to cut car expenses in half.
