Save Money On Car Repair - 6 Maintenance Tasks You're Probably Forgetting To Do

May 22
14:50

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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A great way to cut car repair costs is to make sure your vehicle is running as well as it can run. Here are 6 maintenance tasks that almost everybody forgets to do.

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What's the best way to save money on car repair? Don't take it into the shop! You can cut car repair costs dramatically by simply checking this or that,Save Money On Car Repair - 6 Maintenance Tasks You're Probably Forgetting To Do Articles listening closely to your vehicle and driving safely. There are lots of little maintenance tasks that everybody forgets about, but remembering them can save you from having to get car repair. Here are 6 of the most commonly forgotten.

Brake Fluid
We all know that you're supposed to check the oil and transmission fluid each time you gas up. But lots of people forget to check the brake fluid too. Without brake fluid, you'd be in serious trouble. It helps you stop your vehicle effectively. Just like the oil and transmission fluid, there's a simple dipstick that lets you check if it's getting low. Check it every few times you gas up.

Tire Pressure
To be honest, you should do this every time you gas up, but hardly anybody ever does. At the gas station, they've got the machine right there for you and it doesn't cost a thing. Making sure your tires have enough air will not only keep them in good shape, but also save you on gas.

Wheel Alignment
You need a mechanic to help you with this and it doesn't have to be done so often. You only need to do it once a year. They'll hoist your vehicle up onto their special machinery and make sure that your steering is alright. When you point the steering wheel one way, the wheels follow. This is important for your vehicle's health and also your safety.

Electrical Wiring
Do you have one of those lights that keeps coming on at random times? Those lights on the dashboard are important for letting you know that there are problems, so they should be checked once in a while. Ask the mechanic to do it every few months. This is a good thing to do when you take your vehicle in for any kind of car repair.

Fuel Filter
The fuel filter removes impurities and helps your vehicle use gas more efficiently. If it isn't changed for a really long time it can actually damage your engine. It should be done about once a year. 

Timing Belt
Every 60,000 to 80,000 miles, you should replace your timing belt. You don't need to do it so often, but if you forget, it can seriously damage the engine. If you don't know how to do it, ask the mechanic about it.

These things are hard to remember, but there are some things you can do to make it easier. One is to devote a certain time of year to all of your yearly maintenance tasks. Keep a list handy somewhere in the garage and do everything at once. Another thing you can do is to keep a vehicle maintenance calendar. 

If you keep your vehicle running in its best shape possible, you can eliminate a good amount of the cost of car repair. Keep track of these maintenance tasks and do them when necessary, and you can save mechanic costs for when real problems arise.