We all want to avoid unnecessary expenses and find ways to stretch our dollars further. One way to gain more control over your finances is to engage in proactive auto repair. In taking better care of your car and performing preventative measures, you will save money on costly fixes and possibly extend the life of your car. Read on for five steps that you can begin taking today toward a more efficient car.
1. Read The Owner Manual
Most people never even take their owner manual out of the plastic. But familiarizing yourself with the maintenance requirements of your car is the first step in extending its life. Some vehicles need certain additives or updates after certain mileage increments. You will find this information in your manual and be able to be prepared for them.
2. Get Regular Oil Changes
Routine oil changes are crucial to keeping your car running safely. Common opinion is that a vehicle is due for an oil change every 3,000 miles. But this does not necessarily apply to every model. Referring to your owner manual may prove your car can run for longer periods of time between oil changes and being aware of this will save you money on unnecessary maintenance. This practice is also helpful because the mechanics usually perform a check-up for your car and can alert you to any looming problems and ways to avoid them.
3. Always Check Tires
Regularly checking your tire pressure will help you keep track of any slow leaks or other tire problems that are more economical to fix early on than after time and wear exacerbates the problem. Your owner manual can be more specific, but generally, every 10,000 miles the tires should be rotated. If you have recently purchased new tires, chances are they have lifetime rotation included and the auto repair mechanic who installed them can tell you how often to perform the rotation.
4. Use Fuel Additives
The routine use of fuel additives can keep your fuel injectors clean and free of build up that hampers fuel efficiency. Your manual can clue you in as to how often to use them, or a visit to your local parts store and speaking with an auto repair specialist will shed light on the proper timing. You are advised to double check what is recommended on the label or packaging, to ensure that is the correct regimen for your make and model.
5. Refer to Online Forums
Online auto repair specialists and mechanics are available to answer general questions via email or chat room discussions. Just perform a search online to find one of these.
For more information on proactive auto repair and maintenance, contact your local parts store or mechanic or go online.
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