Auto repair is something that all car owners have to deal with. If you have a reliable local auto service, you can count yourself lucky. Finding a local mechanic who loves and understands cars can be conducive to peace of mind, as well as the safety of your vehicle on the road. Everyone has experienced indifferent and careless work. This can be an annoyance at best and a safety issue at worst. Getting your car serviced is a routine matter but it’s taking care of the small things that can prevent big problems.
Finding reliable auto repair
Finding a reliable automotive repair shop can sometimes feel like the search for the Holy Grail. You know they’re out there somewhere, you just wish it was easier to find them. And if you’re one of the lucky ones to have a trusted local auto repair shop, you should literally count your blessings. Experienced auto repair mechanics have seen it all, and you’ve seen them work their magic.
It’s especially necessary now that car population in the U.S. is not only increasing, but also aging. It is estimated that by 2018, there will be 260 million cars on the roads. That’s an increase of 5% over the present time. The average age of a car on the road today is 11.4 years. This is an all-time record high. Older cars can work as well as newer ones, provided you take good care of them, and follow the recommendations of the owner’s manual.
A regular maintenance schedule
A regular maintenance schedule can seem like a minor thing, but it’s all you need to avoid major problems. You owner’s manual can tell you what needs to be replaced, and when.
- Air filters need to be changed regularly for your engine to work well. How often the air filter needs to be changed depends on the make and model of your car. For example, for most Chevrolet engines, it is recommended that the air filter should be changed every 45,000 miles, while for most Ford engines, air filters should be changed every 30,000 miles.
- The cooling system should be flushed once a year and the coolant should be changed.
- Wiper blades need to be replaced every six months or after one year.
- Spark plugs typically need replacing after 30,000 miles, though it may vary for different vehicles.
- Brake pads need to be replaced around every 20,000 miles, though specifics may vary for each model.
Check your tires
Some simple steps can make all the difference to the smooth running and even safety of your car. Tires should be kept inflated to recommended air pressure levels. They should be rotated every 6,000 miles. Rotating your tires promotes uniform wear. Worn or damaged tires should be replaced.
Tune ups can improve your gas mileage
As gas prices go up and down and possibly up again, mileage matters. Regular tuneups and routine engine maintenance can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 4%. More serious repairs, like replacing or fixing a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by up to 40%.
Appearances matter
Keeping your car clean is also about protecting the finish from rust and scratches. Salt air plays havoc with your car’s finish, and even with the undercarriage. Regular washes are a necessity, to wash off all the stuff that sticks to your car and tried to eat away at the finish.
Nothing works as well as a coat of quality wax to keep your paint looking good. Wax should be applied every six months.
Auto repair and maintenance are simple tasks that produces being results that you can see. In fact, your car will let you know when all is well, by giving you reliable and smooth service.