A trip to the auto mechanic is inevitable and can end up being very costly.
A trip to the auto mechanic is inevitable and can be costly. However,
did you know that you can cut your time spent at car repair businesses in half by taking the time to inspect and care for your car on your own? Some repairs are best left to professionals and are not safe or possible to address at home, but there are plenty that can be done cheaply and safely in your driveway.
Be sure to check and see if your engine’s air filter is dirty. Experts say that these need to be replaced about every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or if it is severely caked with grime. Take a look to see if it is unclean and needs replacing. Doing so can prevent a large amount of damage to your engine in the long run.
Your coolant system is a crucial part of you vehicle. On a monthly basis, be sure to check your antifreeze level and add as needed. The type of coolant may differ depending on your car. If you use green antifreeze, this needs replacing about every 2-3 years. If the fluid is an orange or yellow color, then replace it about every 5 years or 150,000 miles.
A lot of automotive problems can be spotted and addressed just by lifting up the front hood. Take a look at the posts and cables on your battery and check for corrosion. Also be sure to give a close look at all visible hoses and belts, carefully checking for wear and tear. These parts are very important and need to be addressed right away.
Checking your oil is a routine that every automobile owner should make a habit of. This is best done with the engine is cool and definitely turned off. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag, insert it again and hold it horizontally to get an accurate oil level reading. If you need to add oil, look at your owner’s manual to find out the proper viscosity your car requires and add as needed.
Another monthly routine to have is checking the air pressure in your tires. This can be done at just about every filling station, as most air machine nozzles have gauges on them. Also, be sure to have your tires rotated about every 6,000 t0 7,500 miles.
Windshield wipers making obnoxious noises when in use? Well, then it’s time to change them. A brand new pair usually last about a year before needing replacement again.
Transmission fluid should be checked every month. This task is in serious need of special care and having the proper fluid for your car. Read in your owner’s manual and be sure to not add too much. Also, your car needs to be idling while doing so, as the fluid needs to be warm to get an accurate reading.
Routine check ups on your vehicle are a great habit to form, as paying a professional to do it for you can very costly. You will most likely need their help in the long run, depending on the wear on your automobile. However, taking initiative to observe general wear will save you on car repair in the long run.
