Auto Repair: 3 Missteps You Can't Afford to Make

Auto repair can be complicated, even for those who take their cars to a mechanic they trust. If you attempt to get into doing your own maintenance, it creates an entirely new level of complexity. Not only can things get out of hand financially, but without being a trained mechanic yourself, you can never be quite sure that everything you need to be done is getting fixed. Finding a great shop is the first step towards solving that problem, but that's easier said than done. To cut down on some of the problems you may face, here are three missteps you should try to avoid.

Neglecting Your Vehicle

If you want the cost of ownership to skyrocket, there's an easy way to get what you want: stop giving your car the maintenance and auto repair it needs. Too many car owners labor under the subconscious (or perhaps deliberate) belief that all of those maintenance recommendations are nothing but a money grab on the part of the automotive industry. Sadly, this couldn't be less true. The manufacturer doesn't benefit when you decide to stretch your oil change interval to 12 months. By failing to take your car in for these small but important procedures, you can severely cut the life of your car and wind up having to spend thousands more in auto repair.

Letting Them Keep Your Parts

No, you're not going to make a lot of money selling old parts on eBay, but letting your mechanic keep the old parts could still be a mistake. This isn't an issue if you've found a shop with an excellent local reputation for honesty, but otherwise you are taking a chance. More than one mechanic has been caught charging a customer for auto repair they didn't complete. Before you agree to have the car fixed, ask them to at least show you the old parts when they are finished. This ensures they won't just say they replaced something without actually doing it.

Forgetting Tire Maintenance

Never forget the important role your tires play in getting you from place to place. Around the country, there are probably millions of people driving on underinflated or even bald tires. This can cost tons of money in wasted gas, not to mention that it leads to the need to swap out the tires more often. The side of the tire tells you how much you should inflate them. Keep them pumped to that level and you won't have to worry about your tires holding your back. And while you can get more out of your tires by taking care of them, that doesn't mean you should push it. When your tires start looking worn, get a new set. Your safety depends on it.