41 ways to lesser do it yourself car repair and maintenance
Part 1
Do you want to keep the do it yourself car repair work at a minimum ? Follow proper preventative maintenance and you will double your car's useful life and spend less time on your vehicle.
- Check brake shoes (replace if needed)
- If you have a major repair to do, it's wise to get at least 3 estimates, if possible, before you decide.
- Read and follow your car owner's manual - it's your car's bible for making your car last longer.
- Whether you are a man, woman, boy or girl, learn to do some routine do it yourself car repair. A multitude of books, videos, magazines and classes are available at your local library that will teach you for free if you don't know. Learn how to check your own oil, transmission fluid, tire pressure and
coolant, etc.
Save time and money on your do it yourself car repair work with the AllData service manuals
- If you find a good mechanic who you can trust, stick with him even if his prices are a bit higher - all things being equal. You'll always save time, money and aggravation in the long run.
- Don't race or gun your engine when you start it up. Accelerate slowly and smoothly when your engine is cold.
- Avoid burning rubber - it places excessive wear on the transmission, rear end, not to mention your tires.
- An international tire company estimated that 33% of all tires on the road are under-inflated (low air). Under-inflated tires wear out quicker and have a tendency to blow out easier. Your routine do it yourself car repair and maintenance should include a periodic check of the tire pressure.
- A garaged car lasts longer. A car port is next best, and a car cover is a distant third.
- Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Stop and accelerate gradually.
- You will reduce the need for do it yourself car repair work with these simple tips : Avoid tailgating, tire squealing turns, flying over speedbumps, pot holes and revving your engine.
- When possible, avoid driving your car during rush hour stop and go traffic periods.
- Keep front-end aligned, for longer tire life and better gas mileage.
- Make sure you get promised repairs in writing including how much it will cost.
- Avoid car dealers except to have highly specialized repairs done that can't be done properly anywhere else.
- It's hard to be overcharged when you get three estimates before you have the work done.
- Beware: Cheapest is not always the best. Normally, the best mechanics with the best equipment and training cost more.
- Often mechanics that charge extremely low prices have inferior or out-dated equipment, little to no formal training or are
under-insured.
- Do it yourself car repair work for electrical problems should not be considered because electric systems are so involved. Serious electrical work should be done in an "Auto Electric" shop. They have the equipment, tool and training to do the job more efficiently than the average mechanic.
- If your car has "Cruise Control" use it. Using cruise control will save you 5% to 10% of a gallon of gas on long trips.
- Avoid constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator when driving. This practice not only wastes fuel, but it puts excessive wear on the drive train of your car and will increase the likelihood of do it yourself car repair work.
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41 ways to prevent car repairs, Part 2
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