It's no secret that major car repairs can take a huge chunk out of your budget. Depending on the condition of your car, chances are that it will need several major services as it gets older - a worrisome idea when money is tight. While routine maintenance is important, some people may avoid taking their vehicles in altogether, out of concern that they may be talked into costly repairs or services that they don't need.
The truth is, regular maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle - and save you money in the long run by helping you avoid major repairs that can be prevented with consistent check-ups. Here are a few that are particularly important:
1. Oil and filter changes. Changing your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles used to be the standard recommendation, although many manufacturers today say your car can go up to 7,500 miles before needing this service. But the point remains the same - consistent oil changes are one of the most important ways you can keep your engine operating at its best. Motor oil works to lubricate, clean and protect your engine, which is especially important if the car is used for frequent short trips or stop-and-go city driving. The filter, meanwhile, keeps dirt and other contaminants from damaging the wall surfaces in the engine. The potential damage to your engine as a result of not getting regular oil and filter changes could cost you $500-$3,000 in repairs - so the effort does pay off.
2. Other fluid checks. In addition to oil, regularly changing the other fluids in your car is an easy way to keep it running at its best. Automatic transmission fluid is often neglected, which is the reason some transmissions fail prematurely; replacing it every 25,000 to 30,000 miles can keep you and your vehicle safe. Brake fluid, power steering fluid and engine coolant also need to be refilled or replaced regularly to protect their respective parts - an easy way to keep up to $300 a year in your pocket.
3. Tire rotation, balance and inspection. It's easy to put off buying new tires, but letting your tread run too thin could put you at serious risk, particularly when the roads are wet or icy. Beyond replacing bad tires, you should have them rotated according to your manual's recommendations (typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles) and have them balanced once a year. These procedures could save you $175-$250 a year, as unbalanced tires wear out the tread more quickly and could also damage your suspension system and shock absorbers.
Do-it-yourself types may prefer to do some of this work on their own, but having a professional auto repair shop work on your vehicle can save you time, labor and equipment expenses, particularly for extensive services. For example, more advanced onboard diagnostics computers are found in cars these days, which most people are not familiar with or equipped to work on. An auto repair professional will be able to do more thorough checks on your vehicle each time you visit for maintenance, so they can help identify present and future issues that need attention.
Author Resource:-
Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed NetBiz SEO 2.0 researcher. If you need auto repair in Denver, he highly recommends Sixth Avenue Auto, which specializes in Audi and Volkswagen but can service all makes and models. All repair and maintenance at this trustworthy neighborhood shop is performed by ASE-certified technicians.
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