Do you dread going to the auto shop? If so, you’re not alone. 40% of drivers put off auto repairs, according to a 2011 survey by Consumer Reports. Please don’t ignore your vehicle’s needs. Neglecting an issue now will only result in a more expensive problem in the future. Here are seven preventive auto repairs that will save you tons of trouble.
1. Know the age of your battery.
Your car can’t run without a battery. Most batteries need to be replaced every three to five years (I recommend aiming for the former to make sure you don’t get stranded). Batteries cost anywhere from $50-200. That would be a smart investment since it wouldn’t be much cheaper to get your car towed (and you’d still have to buy a new battery on top of that anyway!).
2. Don’t ignore your check engine light.
No one likes to see their check engine light, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Neglect could turn a minor repair into an expensive one. The most common cause of a check engine light? Busted oxygen sensor. It only costs $200 to replace those. If an oxygen censor is neglected for too long, that could affect your catalytic converter. Those cost $2,000 to replace. Big difference, huh?
3. Change your timing belt at 100,000 miles.
Timing belts regulate the opening and closing of engine valves. If those valves don’t open and close at the right time, your engine will malfunction. There is no way to tell a timing belt is wore out, so most mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You can find a more specific recommendation in the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. Timing belts typically cost $500 to $900.
4. Pay attention to the condition of your tires.
It’s good to know the age of your tires, but that won’t help you figure out when they need to be replaced. The condition of your tires depends on a lot of stuff. Exposure to sun and snow, frequency of use, and quality of care (proper inflation and alignment) could increase or decrease their lifespan. If you take good care of your tires and live in a calm climate, your tires could last up to ten years. If you neglect your tires and live in a harsh climate, you might need to replace them in six years or less.
5. Keep an eye on your fluids (hint: oil isn’t the only one!).
Oil isn’t the only fluid worth your concern. Your car’s survival depends on lots of fluids. Check your coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Ask a trusted mechanic to open your hood and show you where those fluids are located. If you don’t have a mechanic, open up your OMV (owner’s manual for your vehicle). It should contain a picture diagram that will point you in the right direction. Schedule a monthly check-up in your planner to prevent potentially expensive repairs.
6. Immediately tend to chips and cracks in your windshield.
Windshields are a big deal. According to the Auto Glass Safety Council, your windshield can absorb half of the force from a collision. It keeps a car’s roof from collapsing in a rollover. It prevents passengers from getting ejected in a collision. Don’t be cheap about replacing your windshield. If it’s not installed properly, the airbags could blow out the glass during an accident (cuts and scrapes are no fun!). It gets worse. Without that protection, you and your passengers would feel the full force of a collision. Don’t risk it.
7. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
You can prevent most of the issues discussed here by following this simple step. If you invest in the preventive auto repairs suggested inside your owner’s manual, your risk of traffic accidents will drop in a massive way. The government can regulate emissions to protect the environment, but they can’t do much to guarantee your safety. If you want to protect yourself, you must accept personal responsibility for the condition of your vehicle.
Please share this post with your friends so they be safe and informed drivers like you. Thanks! 🙂
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