Auto Repair - What You Can Do to Reduce Costs
Nobody wants to drain their bank account in an attempt to keep their car running. Buying a car costs enough already!
No one wants to empty their bank account in an attempt to keep their car running. After all,
buying a car costs enough! Now you have to shell out more for auto repair and maintenance? It seems a bit ridiculous, but nonetheless, it is all part of car ownership. If you want to avoid expensive bills in the future, you sometimes have to take smaller hits when it comes to performing scheduled maintenance. Here are some of the services you should take advantage of if you want to reduce costs in the long run.
The Oil Change
Without regular oil changes, a car is not going to last as long as it should. Oil collects particulates and grows thicker as time wears on. If you've been more than 7,000 miles or six months without an oil change, you could be courting engine failure and expensive auto repair. The oil is designed to act as a lubricant. When it gets thick and sludgy, it can no longer serve this important function. Find a good shop and take your car in for its regular oil change as recommended by the manufacturer.
Tire Rotation
A good tire is expensive. If you want to get a new set, you could be looking at a bill in excess of $500. It makes sense to get as much life out of them as you can. One way to do this is to get them regularly rotated. Most auto repair experts recommend having this done twice a year. The owner's manual should provide a more comprehensive and detailed explanation of how often this should be done.
Tire Pressure
Some people prefer to keep their tires under-inflated. They feel it gives them better traction on the road and softens the impact of speed bumps and the like. While there are advantages to keeping the pressure slightly below the recommended level, the downsides are considerable. Auto repair experts recommend filling your tires as detailed on the side of the tire. This will ensure you get more life out of the tire and it will keep you from dragging down your car's gas mileage.
Find a Good Shop
One of the easiest ways to save money on auto repair is to establish a good working relationship with a trusted mechanic. That way, you'll never have to worry about being scammed out of money for a phony problem. You can find a good one by running shops through the Better Business Bureau database, asking friends, and looking for recommendations in your local paper.
