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Car Maintenance and Repairs |
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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. An
average of four hundred Americans die each year as the result of
automotive accidents. It's a tragic figure, especially when you consider
that many of these accidents could be prevented with proper maintenance
and routine check-ups. Keeping your car well-maintained means reducing the
risk of mishap or even death, and protecting your loved ones and fellow
drivers.
Before hitting the road, be sure to conduct these checkups
regularly:
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
In 2005, over 2,300
pedestrians died because drivers suffered eye problems or had faulty
headlights in the automobiles. 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:
1.
Electronic/Ignition control
2. Suspension/steering
3. Electrical
problem
4. Brake system
5. Oil change/filters/lube
6. Exhaust
system
7. Radiator repairs
8. Fuel system/carburetor
9.
Clutch/transmission
10. Air conditioning system
Routine check
ups and proper maintenance of a car be expensive, and budget restrictions
are often the leading factors in keeping car owners from living up to
their responsibilities. This does not need to be a problem. The key is in
knowing how to save on car maintenance and repairs. The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion has been wasted on unnecessary
auto repairs due to fraud and incompetence.
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 qualified repairperson will keep your car running
better, 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 paying for quality service.
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 remember that it could save a life.
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