Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

3 Steps You Can Take To Prevent Costly Car Repairs

by Brent Porter

Not everyone is a car expert and, for some people, just the idea of glancing at all those parts underneath the hood can be a bit intimidating. But while having a good auto repair shop in your neighborhood can be helpful, it can also get expensive if you keep taking your vehicle in for every little problem you encounter. If you're looking to lower your annual auto repair costs, here are 3 relatively easy things you can do on your own that may save you from a costly repair in the future.

Monitor And Refill Fluids

Your car runs at its best when all of its fluids are at their optimal levels. Even if you think performing your own oil change might be too difficult for you, there are still other liquids under the hood that you can keep an eye on. You can easily locate your power steering, brake and transmission fluid locations by consulting your car's manual. Replenishing your windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze/coolant is also a somewhat straight forward process. Many auto parts stores will have helpful measurement tools you can stick right into the fluid container to help you measure exactly how much fluid you need.

Tire Pressure And Tread

Even if you can't change your own tires, you can still easily keep an eye on a tire's condition with just a quick stop at your local gas station. Most gas stations today will have an air pump that can be used to adjust the pressure inside your tires. Consult with your owner's manual for the optimal pressure level and then adjust accordingly. Tire pressure tends to drop faster in colder weather so be extra diligent during the winter. You should also take a look at your tire tread on a frequent basis. Even if you don't know the exact ideal measurements, it's relatively easy to notice when a tire is starting to break down.

Check Your Battery

Your car's battery is likely something you don't spend much time thinking about, but it can really put a dent in your plans when the car suddenly won't start. Most auto parts store sell inexpensive devices that can check the charge remaining on your car battery. All you need to do is remove the clamps on the battery itself so that you can attach the testing device to the positive and negative charges. The tester will do the rest. 

Even if you are a rookie when it comes to dealing with car repairs, there are still some relatively simple things that even someone with no prior experience in the field can learn how to do. Learning to monitor and refill your vehicle's fluids, monitor and adjust your car's tire pressure level and test your car battery's remaining charge are all tasks you can accomplish on your own that may help prevent a costly car repair. If you encounter trouble, take the vehicle in to a local auto shop like Palmer Tire & Auto LLC.


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About Me

Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

Like many people, I can't afford to buy a new car every few years. This means that I must keep my older vehicle in top condition. Thanks to the fact that I take my car to a great shop, I do get all the benefits that come with knowing I have reliable transportation. Car maintenance covers a lot of ground. Some things I can do at home, like checking fluid levels. Other repairs and maintenance, like radiator repair or front end alignments, require professional attention. Over time, I've developed a maintenance routine that has saved a lot of money and ensures my car will easily last for several more years. If you need to keep your older car running, let me help. I'll show you how to set up a workable maintenance schedule. In the long run, you'll save a lot of time, money, and frustration.

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