41 ways to reduce do it yourself auto repair and maintenance work, Part 2

You can double the life of your vehicle and limit do it yourself auto repair time with these simple tips. According to current auto insurance statistics, the average U.S. car's useful life is over 10 years or 100,000 miles. So why not make it 20 years or 200,000 miles ?

• Don't ride your brake pedal, this wears out your brake Linings pre-maturely, and wastes fuel.
• Driving with your windows all the way down at higher speeds, will waste 10% more gallons of gasoline than driving with them closed.
• Research by a major car manufacturer has revealed that Neglect of proper routine maintenance is the number one reason for the enormous increase in do it yourself auto repair work.
• Tires purchased at department stores such as Sears, Montgomery Wards, Wal-Mart, etc., can be an excellent value because many are made by leading tire manufacturers.
• When purchasing or changing tires, make sure you have them spin balanced.
• Avoid cleaning your windshield with a dry rag or towel. Always dampen with water or some other cleaning liquid. Dry towels grind and scratch your windshield hindering your visibility.
• Avoid turning on the car air-conditioning while running at highway speeds as this tends to put an immediate heavy load on your compressor and clutch. This could cause excessive wear and tear on these components. Instead turn your air conditioner on at car speeds below 25 to 30 m.p.h. This helps to preserve your expensive compressor and will most likely reduce the need for do it yourself auto repair work down the road.
• Try to avoid running your car with the tank low on gas. Keeping a low tank of gas increases the chance of dirt, water/moisture and rust forming in your fuel system. Keeping a full tank decreases the need for do it yourself auto repair work on your engine.
• Tires driven at 70 m.p.h. wear out almost twice as fast as Cars that go 50 m.p.h.?
  Say no more !!
• A government study has confirmed, the top three causes of car breakdowns while on the road are: (a) running out of gas (b) tire troubles (c) cooling system problems (overheating)
• Need to find a shop to complement your do it yourself auto repair work ? The best as well as the easiest ways to find a good car repair shop is by recommendation or referrals from satisfied customers.
• Do it yourself auto repair work on a late model computer-controlled engine may be risky. Instead, work with a repair shop that has the equipment to handle computer-electric service/repair. Sophisticated diagnostic equipment is a must.
• To choose the right repair shop for you, it's wise to have a small or minor maintenance or repair job done first to see how the repair shop and mechanic treat you and your car.
• Give detailed description of your car's problem when you take it in for repairs. The more you can describe what your car is doing or not doing (thumping, squealing, clacking sound, etc.) the faster and less it will cost for your mechanic to fix it.
• When in doubt about the cost of a repair or a mechanic's honesty get a second opinion. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from being ripped-off until you can find a permanent repair shop.
• Regular oil changes are the most important aspect of your do it yourself auto repair and maintenance program. You will protect your engine and make it last longer.
• If you have a manual transmission, downshift to slow your car down instead of using your brakes. This will save wear and tear on your braking system.
• Your do it yourself auto repair and maintenance program should also include the verification of the transmission fluid.
• Protect your car's interior and make it last longer - park your car in the shade or place a windshield guard or cover in the windshield.
• If you spill something inside your car, clean it up immediately before it dries. Delaying even 30 minutes can sometimes leave a permanent stain or spot. To better protect your car seats have them treated with scotchguard.