Car Repair and Winter Months

Nov 29
10:02

2011

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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You can reduce the cost of a future car repair by keeping your vehicle maintained properly during the winter months.

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Your car repair can get expensive,Car Repair and Winter Months Articles and there is never a good time for your car to break down. Maintaining your vehicle according to the instructions in the owner's manual is the best way to avoid some of the automobile fixes that cost the most. Not only is it important to make sure that your car is maintained properly in the coldest of winter months, but also throughout the rest of the year.

Always keeping the fluid reservoirs full to the recommended levels is one way to keep your car maintained year round. These fluids include the coolant, which keeps the engine from overheating so that you can avoid the extra wear and tear on your vehicle, which in turns lengthens the life of your car; windshield washer fluid, which keeps the water pump working as it should; and gas in the gas tank to keep the gas lines from freezing up. This is especially important if you do not drive your vehicle much during the colder months.

Not only is it important to keep the fluids filled during the winter, but also it is important to avoid the hazards, such as potholes and uneven roads that the cold temperatures create. These hazards may lead to tires losing their balance, broken and bent axles, and front-end alignment issues, which are expensive to repair. Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure also helps you avoid slipping on the roads and is better on your car's gas mileage. A good thing to remember is also to keep a shovel and other important equipment in your vehicle so that you can dig yourself out in case you slip on the roads and get stuck in the ditch. You can avoid a costly car repair just by following these tips.

Another great way to avoid that costly winter car repair is to follow the maintenance schedule for your vehicle that can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual. Some things that you can do to keep your vehicle maintained and running great every day is having a tune up done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and putting a higher grade of motor oil and gasoline in your vehicle if it has higher mileage. Also, call your mechanic if your vehicle smells funny, runs funny, or is leaking fluids as fixing these early can help you avoid future surprise expenses on your car.

When you are looking for a mechanic, you should talk to your friends and family to see who they recommend, then do research into him so that you know you are choosing one who you can trust and will not be too expensive, just in case you do need to have car repairs done. Get a written estimate from the mechanic so that you know that you are being treated fairly.