Oil change prices are cheap compared to engine repair prices…Learn a few car maintenance basics and save thousands in auto repair bills
Oil change prices are quite the bargain when you consider the money they save you in the long run. By learning how to do simple and basic preventative maintenance like checking your oil and tire pressure you could save thousands. Learn a little–save a lot!
Google is your best friend. Everything you need to know is in your car manual or can be found on Google. Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills to do basic auto maintenance to prolong the health of your car. It’s surprising how much more confidence you will have the next time you need to talk with your auto mechanic if you have a little car smarts. Practice prevention. You do it for for your health now do it for your car.
If you only learn one car care basic, learn to check your oil every 200-500 miles or once a month. You can’t believe how much longer your auto will last. If you have no clue how to check your oil, check out this video at http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-check-your-cars-oil-level.
Although oil is the most important fluid to check often there are a few others like: transmission, antifreeze, brake, power steering and windshield wiper fluid. Let your owner manual be your bible to a well maintained car.
Check your tire pressure. Look on the outside of your tire for the recommended tire pressure or on the inside of the driver’s door jam. Check tire pressure every 200-500 miles to increase your gas mileage and reduce the risk of having a flat.
Keep an accurate tire gauge in your car so you can trust the readings. Public air machines may or may not offer them. Check the pressure on your spare tire too. . . you never know when you may need it. A great place to learn about tire pressure and tire care is at michelinman.com
If you see steam coming out of your car or smell something odd, get to your mechanic ASAP. putting off symptoms like peculiar sounds, warning lights, or difficult brakes could mean trouble.
It could be worth your time to pick out a mechanic near your house before you need him. Click http://cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html or go to cartalk.com to find one in your zip code. If you have an emergency or just need advice you’ll already know someone.
When you make your car payment check each month give your car a check over too. This habit can save you some dough.