If you own a car then chances are your mind occasionally drifts towards the idea of auto repair. We've all had this happen and it's something that weighs heavily on every car owner. Some of us keep the thought at the back of our minds while others keep it at the forefront. Regardless of where you keep the thought it's important to understand that every car will need it eventually.
When people think of auto repair they typically think of an accident or massive amounts of repair procedures running up to several thousands of dollars. This isn't the case in all actuality as most cars never require major surgery unless something important breaks. Unfortunately most cars will need to have repair of some sorts performed on them during their lifetime regardless of if you take good care of them or not.
Properly maintaining your vehicle is essential but even the best maintained vehicle will still degrade, albeit more slowly than normal. Shocks wear out, mufflers break down, controls arms degrade, and other various important parts simply age with use like our bodies. The likelihood of you having to repair these components is mainly tied with the age of your car, how long you own it, and if it is in an accident.
Typically, the average components on a machine will wear out between 60 and 100 thousand miles. These parts are easily changeable and are not a major repair operation. The large components in your vehicle such as the engine block or the radiator have a very long lifespan. Provided they are built to proper specification, made with good quality materials, and properly maintained these parts can last up to 300 thousand miles or more.
This mileage marker is something that most cars do not see however as society is turning towards a more disposable attitude. Technological advancements are the key points in the average person's decision to upgrade to a newer, faster, and more efficient vehicle. However, there are still a few of us who are considered "Lifers" amongst the auto community.
Lifers are people who buy a vehicle and stick with it through thick and thin. Most of them keep their machines in working order for years to come and even show them off at car shows. Others focus purely on keeping their machines in working condition for everyday activities. Regardless most people that fit this category wouldn't trade or get rid of their car unless it fell apart at the seams.
Unfortunately, regardless of whether you use your car for two years and trade it or keep it for life you will need to have work performed on it. With that in mind it's important to find a mechanic you can trust before you need extensive use. If you don't trust the mechanic who's changing your oil why would you trust him to change an axle or a control arm? By taking a preventative step and finding a loyal trustworthy mechanic you can ensure that when you need major work done it will get done in a timely cost effective manner.
Auto repair is a constant companion that every car owner has to live with. Despite the stigma associated with it it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Most major repairs can be caught before hand when their still small by a skilled mechanic and taking your machine in for regular checkups can save you money. Remember to find a reputable mechanic before taking your machine in for any kind of work.
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