subject: Five Easy Tips To Save You Money On Car Repair [print this page] Not taking proper care of your car can cause many issues and add up quite a bit financially in the long run. Thats why learning regular car maintenance can be one of the easiest ways to ensure you have fewer problems with your car and, along the way, prevent accidents. Here are some of the best (and easiest) ways you can keep your car running smoothly:
Spend time getting to know your car
The more you know about your car, the more likely you are to take care of it and keep it running well. First, read the owners manual to find out how often you should check certain parts of the car, and what products are recommended for use with it. You could also find an online guide or ask your mechanic about tips for basic car maintenance.
Check your fluids often
Checking these even once a week can help save you unneeded wear and tear over time. Here are a few of the most common you should check:
Antifreeze and coolant Wait for the engine to cool off by letting your car sit for 10-15 minutes after running it. Even driving your car for a short time can cause the coolant to become hot, which will burn you if youre not careful. If the overflow tank is in a normal range and the fluid is to the top of the radiator, your coolant is at the correct level. A professional should also flush your coolant during a yearly maintenance appointment.
Oil This is one of the most important things to check each week and luckily, its extremely easy to do. Simply pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in, and check where the oil level is. If its too low, you can add a quart of oil (the correct brand will be listed in your owners manual). If you notice the oil is a very dark color, you should take your car in for an oil change. Most cars have a gauge or monitor that will tell you when your level is getting low and its time for a change.
Windshield wiper fluid Although this isnt a necessity, its a nice thing to have to help your windshield stay clean. This should be checked often, especially if you notice the level is going down quickly; you could have a whole in the compartment that holds it.
Other fluids (transmission, brake, and steering) Transmission fluid keeps your vehicle running smoothly and should be checked while the car is running. Brake fluid can be checked by removing the dipstick or cap, depending on what type of car you have. Finally, steering fluid should be checked if you notice a grinding or squeaking noise when turning the wheel.
Check other hot spots
In addition to the above list, there are several other things that can be checked to help your car run smoothly, including:
Tire pressure When your tires or under- or over-inflated, theyre likely to wear out more quickly. To help prevent this, purchase a tire gauge that you can use to check the pressure. If they are under-inflated, visit a gas station, as most have air stations that you can use to fill up the tire. While doing this, check for tread wear. If you see the wear is uneven, your car may need to be realigned.
Windshield wipers If you notice your wipers arent cleaning efficiently, its time to replace them. Replacement wipers can be found at your local car repair shop or at stores like Wal-Mart and Target. You can choose the right option for your car by selecting the year, make, and model.
Battery Last but not least, check your battery to make sure the electrolyte level is normal. If you find acid deposits on the battery, clean them with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. If you see its leaking acid, its probably time to get the battery replaced.
Dont ignore bad brakes
If your brakes are especially squeaky, check the potential problem before letting it get too far. Look through the wheels on your car to see your front brakes. If the pad thickness is thinner than a quarter of an inch, you should replace them. If you feel grinding when you press on the pedal, your brake rotors may need to be turned or replaced.
Learn how to change a tire
Instead of calling AAA if you get a flat tire, learn how to change on yourself. Ask a friend or family member to spend a few minutes teaching you how to change the tire if it happens to you again, not only will you not panic, but youll save yourself money by doing the quick and easy job yourself.
