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Mechanic reveals ways to make your car last longer
Every 2 weeks or 3,000 miles check engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant.
Once a month or 1,000 miles check tire pressure - with tire gauge. Check transmission fluid and brake fluid. Wax car to protect finish and a smooth finish will reduce the wind drag increasing your fuel economy. Check belts and hoses for excessive wear.
Every 3 months or 3,000 miles Change oil and oil filter or every 6 months or 3,000 miles depending on your driving habits. You will also want to lubricate the chassis check transmission fluid and check all drive belts (fan belts) replace frayed or cracked belts.
Every 6 months or 6,000 miles inspect suspension, rotate and inspect tires.
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles flush radiator, replace anti-freeze, check air conditioning system. Replace air filters and lubricate chassis.
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles replace spark plugs (30,000 miles average suggested for unleaded gas) and PCV valve. Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and pan gasket. You should also inspect brake linings at this time.
Every 3 years or 30,000 miles check and test ignition wires, test cooling system, heating hoses and drive belts, check brake shoes. (replace if needed)
Replace fluid in differential and manual transmission. (Every 50,000 miles)
If you have a major repair to do, it's wise to get at least 3 estimates, if possible, before you decide. It's hard to be overcharged when you get three estimates before you have the work done. Make sure you get promised repairs in writing including how much it will cost.
Read and follow your car owner's manual - it's your car's bible for making your car last longer.
Whether you are a man, woman, boy or girl; you should learn to do some routine maintenance on your car yourself. A multitude of books, videos, magazines and classes are available at your local library that will teach you for free if you don't know. Learn how to check your own oil, transmission fluid, tire pressure and coolant, etc.
If you find a good mechanic who you can trust, stick with him even if his prices are a bit higher - all things being equal. You'll always save time, money and aggravation in the long run.
Beware: Cheapest is not always the best. Normally, the best mechanics with the best equipment and training cost more. Often mechanics that charge extremely low prices have inferior or out-dated equipment, little to no formal training or are under-insured.
Complex electrical problems are so involved that serious electrical work should be done in an "Auto Electric" shop. They have the equipment, tool and training to do the job more efficiently than the average mechanic.
Avoid car dealers except to have highly specialized repairs done that can't be done properly anywhere else.
The best as well as the easiest ways to find a good car repair shop is by recommendation or referrals from satisfied customers.
To have work done on late model computer-controlled engines, make sure the shop you choose has the equipment to handle computer-electric service/repair. Sophisticated diagnostic equipment is a must.
To choose the right repair shop for you, it's wise to have a small or minor maintenance or repair job done first to see how the repair shop and mechanic treat you and your car.
You should give detailed description of your car's problem when you take it in for repairs. The more you can describe what your car is doing or not doing (thumping, squealing, clacking sound, etc.) the faster and less it will cost for your mechanic to fix it.
When in doubt about the cost of a repair or a mechanic's honesty get a second opinion. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from being ripped-off until you can find a permanent repair shop.
Don't race or gun your engine when you start it up. Accelerate slowly and smoothly when your engine is cold,
Stop and accelerate gradually avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops. Avoid burning rubber it places excessive wear on the transmission and rear end, not to mention your tires.
An international tire company estimated that 33% of all tires on the road are under-inflated (low air). Under-inflated tires wear out quicker and have a tendency to blow out easier. Keep front-end aligned, for longer tire life and better gas mileage. Tires driven at 70 mph. wear out almost twice as fast as those driven 50 mph.
Avoid tailgating, tire squealing turns, flying over speed bumps, pot holes and revving your engine.
When possible, avoid driving your car during rush hour stop and go traffic periods.
If your car has "Cruise Control" use it. Using cruise control will save you 5% to 10% of a gallon of gas on long trips.
Avoid constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator when driving. This practice not only wastes fuel, but it puts excessive wear on the drive train of your car.
Don't ride your brake pedal, this wears out your brake linings pre-maturely, and wastes fuel.
Driving with your windows all the way down at higher speeds, will waste 10% more gallons of gasoline than driving with them closed.
Research by a major car manufacturer has revealed that neglect of proper routine maintenance is the number one reason for the enormous increase in car repairs being required.
Tires purchased at department stores such as Sears, Montgomery Wards, K-Mart etc., can be an excellent value because many are made by leading tire manufacturers. When purchasing or changing tires, make sure you have them spin balanced. For a list of what manufacturer makes which tires for what department store, write to: Tire Information Centre, P.O. Box 677, Syosset, NY 11791
Avoid cleaning your windshield with a dry rag or towel. Always dampen with water or some other cleaning liquid. Dry towels grind and scratch your windshield hindering your visibility.
Avoid turning on the car air-conditioning while running at highway speeds as this tends to put an immediate heavy load on your compressor and clutch. This could cause excessive wear and tear on these components. Instead turn your air conditioner on at car speeds below 25 to 30 mph. This helps to preserve your expensive compressor.
Try to avoid running your car with the tank low on gas. Keeping a low tank of gas increases the chance of dirt, water/moisture and rust forming in your fuel system. Keeping a full tank decreases the chance of dirt and other foreign matter forming in your fuel system.
Regular oil changes are the most important thing you can do to protect your engine and make it last longer. Each time you have your engine oil checked; have your transmission fluid checked also.
If you have a manual transmission it is better to down shift to slow your car down instead of using your brakes. This will save wear and tear on your braking system.
A garaged car lasts longer. A car port is next best, and a car cover is a distant third. Protect your car's interior and make it last longer - park your car in the shade or place a windshield guard or cover in the windshield. If you spill something inside your car, clean it up immediately before it dries. Delaying even 30 minutes can sometimes leave a permanent stain or spot. To better protect your car seats have them treated with scotch guard.
NOTE: According to current auto insurance statistics, the average U.S. car's useful life is 10 years or 100,000 miles. By following proper preventative maintenance you can often double your car's useful life, and spend less
About the Author
Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:
How to Save on Gas
Written by: Pierre Schexneider M. Ed.
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