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“Auto Savings Advice & Tips On How To Reduce All Your Vehicle Expenses”
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Routine Car Maintenance (continued)
e. While installing new brake pads or relining brakes is not something that can be done by the average vehicle owner, knowing when these repairs need to be made can eliminate more costly repairs and potentially dangerous braking situations. If you hear a scraping or high pitched tinny noise coming from one or more of your wheels, chances are it’s the brake sensors indicating the pads or linings are worn down and need to be changed. Have this checked by a mechanic to see if repairs are required. But remember, installing brake pads and relining brakes is a highly competitive business and you should shop around for the best deal. Also, if you have disk brakes, make sure the brake job includes cutting down or turning the rotors to ensure they have a smooth surface.
f. Today’s vehicles usually have very good paint jobs which generally include clear coat finishes. They do not need a lot of maintenance. But if you want your vehicle to look good, wash it regularly and apply a clear coat polish once a year. Washing and waxing your vehicle really is quite easy and can save you a lot of money if you do it yourself.
While much money can be saved on routine maintenance with just a little bit of effort and knowledge, scheduled maintenance generally requires the capabilities of professional mechanics, except for the most knowledgeable vehicle owners. However, there are ways to save money.
1. First of all, find a reputable vehicle repair shop or independent mechanic that is reasonably priced. This usually will not be a new car dealer service center. Car repair pricing varies widely, and new car dealers will usually be at the very top end of the amount charged. Most independent mechanics can do any repairs or scheduled maintenance required, and are far less expensive.
Ask your friends for references and check to see if the repair shop is ASE certified. If you want to save some money and are a bit adventurous (and your car is off warranty), consider contacting a trade school that teaches auto repair and see if they will do routine service on your car and/or do necessary repairs.
2. If your vehicle is under the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, make sure you follow the maintenance schedule included in your owner’s manual and keep your receipts as proof that the maintenance was done. This is the best way to avoid disagreements over whether a prior or future repair is covered under warranty, or whether the problem was caused by inadequate maintenance. However, scheduled maintenance does not have to be done by the dealer. Any reputable mechanic performing the scheduled maintenance will be satisfactory to uphold your warranty, and most likely will be far less costly than services received from the new car dealer. And by the way, if the dealership denies your warranty claim for any reason, make sure you object to both the dealer and manufacturer. Often they will reconsider, and even do repairs after the initial warranty has expired for vehicle problems that were only recently discovered on your make and model.
3. If you do choose to use a new car dealer for your maintenance, ask if they will provide a “loaner” car for your use while your vehicle is in the shop. Many dealers will do this.
4. Even if your vehicle is no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you should still follow the maintenance schedule included in the owner’s manual. This will save you money over the long term:
a. Performing the maintenance tasks stated in the owner’s manual will help keep more major problems from occurring, and reduce the number of costly repairs and potential breakdowns. Do not skimp on manufacturer’s suggested maintenance.
b. On the other hand, unless a specific problem has occurred, do not let the mechanic talk you into doing more maintenance work than is called for in the maintenance schedule. It is not required. For instance, most car maintenance schedules require the oil and oil filter to be changed about every 7,000 miles, if your vehicle is driven under normal road conditions. Most mechanics (either dealer or independent) tell you to change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles. Unless you travel on a lot of dirt roads or do nothing but stop and go driving, stick with the manufacturer’s schedule and save yourself some money. And if you do drive under severe conditions, most manufacturer’s schedules have a separate recommendation for this instance. Same with flushing out your radiator and changing your coolant. Do it according to your manufacturer’s schedule. It does not have to be done every year. Do not let the mechanic talk you into something else or try to scare you into unneeded maintenance.
c. A further word about oil changes. The most expensive place to get your oil and oil filter changed (other than at a car dealership) is at one of the quick lube or speedy oil change centers. They charge about 50% more than regular mechanics for the oil and filter change, and also try to sell you
CAR REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE -
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