Auto Repair - How To Avoid Big Charges

There are few things as disheartening as staring down an enormous auto repair bill. While it happens to everyone at some point or another in their life as a car owner, if you find yourself at the receiving end of this financial punishment more often than you think you should, there are some things you may be able to do to improve your chances. Owning a car is about more than simply filling the tank up with gas and heading to the mechanic when something goes wrong. Taking proper care of your automobile can help ensure that you get the most out of your purchase and avoid big charges at the shop.

Regular Oil Changes

There is no set rule on how often you should get an oil change. The old "every 3,000 miles" rule has largely been replaced by a "follow the manufacturer's recommendations" adage. While most oil change shops will still add 3,000 miles to your odometer when making your return sticker, you should just go with what it says in your owner's manual. Having said that, it's far better to get an oil change too frequently than to not get one frequently enough. A sludgy engine will lead to a host of problems that only very expensive auto repair can solve.

Tire Rotation

Tires don't last forever, but they can be expensive to replace. Unless you're the type of person who puts the cheapest rubber possible under your car (and you shouldn't unless you're really hurting for money), you should think about getting them rotated a couple of times a year to extend their lifespan. A rotation is a fairly cheap process that could help you get a lot more out of your tires. With a good set often costing more than $100 for every tire, it pays to do whatever you can to make them last.

Good Mechanic

Forge a solid working relationship with a good mechanic in your area. Don't just bring your car in to see him when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Rather, remember that your vehicle is a machine that will work best when under the supervision of regular maintenance. Making sure all of your parts are working well and in harmony, checking fluid levels and topping them off, and changing out minor parts such as the spark plugs can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding big auto repair bills. It's a hassle to maintain a car well, but it is worth it when you consider the financial implications.