Car repair - How to Avoid a Large Bill

Jun 1
07:16

2011

Aaliyah Arthur

Aaliyah Arthur

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Many car owners do not think about car repair until their car won't start. However, a car that won't start is not the first sign that there may be something wrong with your car. Unfortunately, when it gets to the point of not starting, the cost of the repair could be far more expensive than anticipated. Besides having the car serviced when it is running funny, there are many precautions that car owners can take to avoid an expensive repair bill.

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The engine is the most important,Car repair - How to Avoid a Large Bill Articles yet vulnerable part of what makes a car run. Therefore, frequent oil changes are one of the first steps in avoiding car repairs. Motor oil keeps the engine components lubricated and cool. When this lubricant is not working properly or if there is not enough oil in the engine, the engine components can become overheated and vulnerable. Eventually, the engine will fail, rendering the vehicle useless unless the engine is completely replaced. Needless to say, replacing a car engine, including parts and labor, can sometimes cost more than the value of the car. Fortunately, there will be some warning signs that the engine is running low on lubricant. For instance, the car might get overheated very easily. There may also be some engine noise or “knocking,” which is an indicator that the engine is not working properly. This is why most car manufacturers will recommend an oil change at least every 5,000 miles; this figure can be slightly higher for newer vehicles. Frequent oil changes are especially important for older cars with high mileage. Oil changes are the easiest and most basic way to avoid the need for car repair.

In addition to oil changes, there are some basic car maintenance tips that any car owner can follow. Few car owners may realize that fluid levels are also an important part of avoiding the need for car repairs. Fluids such as anti freeze can also help keep the car's temperature regulated. Therefore, if the car begins to overheat, there could also be an issue with low anti freeze levels. Brake fluid is an important component of the braking system. It is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer energy in order for the vehicle to stop. If the brake pedal does not seem to work properly, there could be a problem with the brake fluid, which can become more serious if ignored. Even vehicle owner's with no mechanical knowledge can check the vehicle's fluids. In fact, the fluid reservoirs will have either a dipstick, or fluid indicator levels that will let the owner know why to top off those fluids.

Believe it or not, it is possible to avoid an expensive and daunting car repair bill. Frequent oil changes and a little maintenance on the owner's part can help avoid minor issues that can soon become a big car repair bill, which nobody ever likes to see.