Basic Guide to Car Maintenance

5 Basic Ways to Keep Your Car Running Longer

In difficult times, it’s crucial that we keep our cars running longer. Did you know that cars go for more that 200,000 miles when it’s kept in good maintenance? My car is half way there with 105,000 and still going.

1.) Oil Change: This is at the top since it keeps your engine running better and longer. It’s easy and very inexpensive to do. Can be done by your neighborhood repair shop.

2.) Brake Inspection/Replacement: Doing brake repair and replacement not only help with future problems but it save lives on the roads. You don’t want your brakes failing while driving 75 miles per hr or at any speed for that matter. When your breaks fail, you are not only endangering yourself but other drivers on the road.

What usually gets checked are the brake pads and shoes and also any lubricants that might need to be replenish. Brakes are not very expensive about $400 or more when done on time. Don’t wait too long since it will cost way more if everything needs to be replaced.

3.) Tire Rotation: Did you know that tire rotation is one of the most important routine elements for car maintenance? This keeps your car balance while driving on the road and also the wear and tear or the tires. 4.) Battery: It only takes a few minutes to replace the battery on your car and it very inexpensive, $75+ depending on the car you are driving.

5.) Windshield Wipers: Even something as simple as windshield wipers can cause problems on the road. You want to replace this as soon as it starts to wear out. The cost on this are very minimal $10-$20 to replace both. If wipers not replaced, you will have problems on the road, when it running heavy or when snowing hard. Don’t just take my word for it does the math. If you ditch your car for (cash for clunkers) program, yes you will get yourself a brand spanking new car with big catch attached to it.

For example if you’re driving a old car which is paid in full, when you go out and purchase a new one, you will have car payment for next 3-6 years. Say $400 monthly/4800 annually. This is just average, lot of cars more that $500 month. In the other hand, it is more economical to fix the car for $1,000 and not have to worry about monthly car payment.

To get repairs done: check on these important tips o What is needed in car maintenance is a reputable car repair shop or dealership. This is what to check for at these locations:

o Make sure they are certified by the county

o Also check that their repairs are guaranteed, so that if something fails within say month or so, you can return it to shop for free repairs

o These shops should be using factory parts not old ones that will brake before you get home

o A good rule of thumb is to get referrals from friends, co-workers, or other family members o Their price should be reasonable enough that you can afford it and they can cover their cost