Auto Maintenance Guide

There are 10 common reasons why car owners visit the mechanic. These are the following:

1. Electronic/Ignition control

2. Electrical problem

3. Suspension/steering

4. Brake system

5. Oil change/filters/lube

6. Radiator problem

7. Exhaust system

8. Fuel system/carburetor

9. Clutch/transmission

10. Air conditioning system

Auto Maintenance Guide, Before hitting the road, it is practical to check on the following:

1. Tires – Most Americans are using what they call all-season tires. It is imperative to check the tires regularly. Ideally, this should be done every week.

2. Wipers – Ideally, wipers must be changed twice a year, preferably before spring and fall.

3. Brakes – Their main function is to slow down the car when it is needed. When the driver stepped on the brake pedal and it went to the floor all the way, the driver should smell danger. Latest cars are equipped with brake warning light. It can be found on the dashboard. When something is not right in the car breaks, it lights up. Signaling the driver to check on the braking system. Checking the owner’s manual may help but if it turns to be complicated to handle, it is recommended to call a mechanic.

4. Headlights – In 2005, more than 2,300 pedestrians died because drivers were either having eye problems or having an issue about their headlights. Maintaining the vehicle headlights is one step closer to keeping the driver safe. They should be replaced at least once a year.

Doing routine check up and maintenance of a car be expensive. Money has been the leading factor that holds back car owners to complete it. However, this should not be a problem, the key is knowing how to save on car repairs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion was spent on unnecessary auto repairs due to incompetence and fraud. The following are simple tips on how you can afford repairs when the car is not performing very well.

1. Preventive maintenance – This can save a lot of money in the long run because it prevents serious damage to the car. Regular check up to the mechanic would put the car in good shape and prolong its life.

2. Estimate – Before letting the mechanic do the job, be sure to get a written estimate. To get an idea how much you have to pay. If it is too much for the budget, shopping around would sound good

3. Save – Cars need some rest too. Over using them may result to damage. To avoid this, try car-pooling. Ask some coworkers in the area to try it out. It does not only save on maintenance but also on gas and parking expenses.

4. Do-it-Yourself – Reading the car manual every now and then increases the car owner’s knowledge about basic car problems and how to solve them. For example, changing the car oil cannot be too difficult to handle. Unusual noises coming from the car can be bothersome, but some car owners are now aware that it can be normal at times or can be easily corrected by consulting the car manual.