Car Repair and Maintenance You Probably Do Not Need

Like any good business person, a mechanic is going to try to get you to purchase add-on services when you bring your car in for car repair to improve his profit from working on your vehicle. These maintenance steps may sound like a good idea, and sometimes they can be, but when you are strapped for cash, it makes sense to find out if they are really needed before you order them. Here are some common maintenance offers that you probably do not need.

Engine Flushes

Engine flushes use chemicals to flush all of the sludge out of your engine. Some people need this. The people that do are those who totally ignore basic upkeep for their cars and neglect their engines. However, if you keep up with basic car repair and have your regular oil changes done when it is time, you probably do not have enough gunk in your engine to warrant this task.

Gas Saving Products

Everyone is looking to save money at the pump in today's world. However, the products on the market today that are designed to be "gas savers" may not be worth the plastic they are housed in. Most have been tested by professionals to show that they do not work. Some even have the potential to harm your engine.

Fuel Injection Cleaning

Fuel injection cleaning is typically only needed if the Check Engine light is on for that particular reason. This may be needed around every 35,000 miles, but it is not an annual need. Fuel injectors can get dirty and have deposits that build up on them, and when this happens, it hinders fuel economy. But, again, most vehicle owners can wait until the 35,000 mark before they have to worry about this. And, if you let it go longer than this, you likely will not be facing a large car repair bill. Rather, it will cut down on your fuel economy.

Special Antifreeze

You will pay more if you opt for "special" antifreeze that is labeled as "long life." This type of antifreeze does not free you from maintaining your vehicle and radiator. You will still need to flush it every two years or so. Now, if you live in a wintry climate where your car will be exposed to extreme temperatures, make sure your antifreeze is rated for those temps. That will save you from some very expensive car repairs in the dead of winter.

Oil Additives

Whether they claim to decrease friction or improve fuel economy, oil additives rarely live up to the expectations. As long as you are following regular car repair and maintenance steps, this is completely unnecessary. These are not likely to harm your engine, but they are probably not necessary and therefore are a waste of money.