The Key to Good Auto Repair Lies With You

As an automobile owner, you know that you need to get oil changes, tune ups and new tires to keep up with your vehicle's auto performance. You may be also aware that there are other tasks that are just as important. In order to keep your vehicle running well, you'll need to be aware of how you can operate it by causing the least amount of damage.

One auto repair tip you may not be aware of is using as a light keychain for your keys. Key chains that contain several keys and trinkets are heavy and can actually cause damage to the vehicle. The weight of the keys can wear out the tumblers in the ignition switch, and over time cause serious damage. Prevent this unnecessary occurrence from happening by lightening up. Either remove the chains to make the keychain lighter, or simply only use the car key when driving. This simple auto care tip can save you lots of money on repairs.

Be choosy when you get gas. Gas keeps your automobile running and using the wrong variety can impede the vehicle's performance. The automobile's owner's manual can provide you with recommendations for which gas to use. Also, when you see the gas tanker at the gas station, come back another day, if possible. As the tanker fills the gas tanks, it causes sediment to stir up, which can end up in your gas tank. This sediment can clog your fuel filter and injectors, which can lead to poor performance and possibly an unnecessary auto repair.

You probably know that you need to change your oil about every 3,000 miles, but not paying attention to it until then can cause engine issues. If the oil burns completely out of the engine, your engine could become permanently damaged. Keep an eye on the oil level; check it every other time you get gas. And when you change your oil, take care not to overfill the oil crankshaft. Doing so can create air bubbles in the oil, which can result in over-heating, unnecessary stress on the engine parts and unnecessary auto repair bill.

You probably keep the outside of your vehicle clean, but do you ever pay attention to how clean or dirty your engine is? This simple tip can keep your engine healthy and running in peak condition. A dirty engine runs less efficiently than one that is clean and a clean engine will also run cooler. Cleaning your engine is simple. Use grease-cutting dish detergent and a bristle brush to remove the grime from your engine. Rinse the engine with water and make sure you completely remove any soap. Cover the distributor, air intake and any electrical parts with a plastic bag before cleaning the engine to prevent them from becoming damaged. Clean your engine every year or two to keep your engine working well.

Performing simple acts of auto care keep your vehicle running good and will save you money in the long-run by limiting the amount of auto repair you need.