Driving an automobile is a luxury that most of us take for granted.
Automobiles are the primary means of transportation in United States, with ninety percent of American adults owning or previously owning a car or truck. What we don’t realize is that operating a car or truck is a responsibility that can bring serious consequences. Every year in the United States alone, more than ten thousand vehicular accidents occur. It’s a tragic figure, especially when you consider that many of these accidents could be prevented with proper maintenance and routine check-ups.
Before hitting the road, be sure to conduct these checkups regularly:
Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
Tires
Most Americans use all-season tires. These tires should carry you safely from season to season, but it is imperative that you check the tires regularly for wear or damage. Ideally, tires should be checked on a weekly basis.
Brakes
The brake system serves one main purposes: to slow down or stop the car when it is needed. If you step on the brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you’ve got trouble. Late-model automobiles are equipped with a brake warning light. This dashboard indicator will light up if something is wrong with your brake system. If your brake warning light indicates trouble, it is imperative that you check the brake system immediately. Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance advice, and call an experienced mechanic for repairs. Brake repairs or replacements are no job for a weekend or hobby mechanic.
Headlights
Properly maintained vehicle headlights help you drive safely, and see more clearly. Replace your headlight bulbs at least once per year.
Wipers
Many people don’t think of changing their wiper blades until it is too late. This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive parts of the car to maintain. Change your wiper blades twice a year, in the spring and just before winter.
There are 10 common reasons why automobile owners visit the mechanic:
- Electronic/Ignition control
- Suspension/steering
- Electrical problem
- Brake system
- Oil change/filters/lube
- Exhaust system
- Radiator repairs
- Fuel system/carburetor
- Clutch/transmission
- Air conditioning system
Routine check ups and proper maintenance are less expensive than most consumers realize but budget restrictions are often the leading factors in keeping car owners from living up to their maintenance responsibilities. This does not need to be a problem, the key is to find an automotive service center that you trust that can understand your needs and budget to ensure that you and your vehicle stay on the road safely. Remember preventative maintenance to your vehicle tends to be far less expensive than waiting for something to truly go wrong and then having to have it repaired.
If your car is not performing to its full potential, remember the following tips to help you save money on repairs:
Preventive Maintenance
Be your car’s best friend, and you can save a bundle. By conducting regular preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes and radiator flushes, you prevent unnecessary damage to the car and save a lot of money in the long run. Regular checkups by a reputable automotive repair center will keep your car running better and longer.
Conserve
Even automobiles need to take a break now and then. If you drive your car everyday the miles will add up quickly and damage can occur prematurely. To avoid this, consider carpooling with friends and coworkers. Ask around to form your own carpool group. You’ll all save on maintenance, and you’ll be able to pool your fuel and parking expenses.
Estimate
Before choosing a mechanic to repair your car be sure to get a written estimate. If the mechanic wants more than your budget can afford shop around. Compare estimates to find the best deal. Just be sure that you are comparing “apples to apples” and paying for quality service not just settling for cheap.
Do It Yourself
You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish after doing a little research. Read over your owner’s manual from time to time. Learn as much as you can about your car. Understand potential problems and how to solve them. For example, that mysterious clunking noise might be bothersome, but could be as simple to fix as tightening a bolt. Regular maintenance tasks like oil changes and radiator flushes are fairly easy to do if you understand your vehicle and take the time to do the job properly.
As an automobile owner, you have a responsibility to keep your car properly maintained at all times. Consider it an investment in your car’s future and yours, so stop by Heads Up Motorsports today to get your vehicle inspected and give us the opportunity to earn your business.