Are you hoping that your car lasts forever? While this may not be possible, there are steps you can take to prolong its life. By doing so, you will find yourself saving a lot of money along the way.
Here are five tips to make your car last longer:
1. Change your car’s oil and filter on a regular basis. This is discussed time and time again, however, some continually overlook the importance. Read your owner’s manual for more information on how often you should do this, and then stick to the schedule no matter what.
2. Keep an eye on your tires. Did you know that over or under-inflated tires can have an impact on many parts of your car? On top of this, it can impact the actual tires as well as your gas mileage.
3. Visit a mechanic on a regular basis. Just because you don’t see something on the surface doesn’t mean there is nothing wrong with your car. A well qualified mechanic can pinpoint potential problems before they turn into serious and costly repairs.
4. Be observant. When was the last time you gave your car a good “once over?” You don’t have to spend hours on end inspecting your car, but it never hurts to take a few minutes to walk around your car and see if anything sticks outs.
5. Keep your car clean. Believe it or not, regularly washing and waxing your vehicle will increase its lifespan. No matter if you do it yourself or drive through a carwash, you are getting the same benefit.
By following these five tips, you will find it much easier to extend the life of your vehicle. And that is what you want, right?
Most people understand that regular car maintenance is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicle. But did you know that this can also save you money? From following regular service intervals to visiting your mechanic when something fishy is going on, the more proactive you are the better chance you have of saving money down the road.
Here are five ways regular maintenance can save you money:
1. Fix small, inexpensive problems before they grow into something bigger. A $100 repair today could save you from spending thousands tomorrow. Is this a tradeoff you are willing to make?
2. Uncover other problems. During a regular inspection, your mechanic may find a problem that you were unaware of. By doing so, this issue can be taken care of immediately, ensuring that you don’t face a bigger problem later on (see #1 above).
3. Save money on towing. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road, forced to call a tow truck for assistance. With the proper maintenance schedule, there is less of a chance that your vehicle will need towed.
4. Save money on labor. Did you know that regular maintenance typically requires less time than an advanced repair? You are going to be charged by the hour in most cases, so you want to avoid advanced repairs if at all possible.
5. Tips from your mechanic. At Metrotech, we do our best to provide clients with information and advice on how to keep their vehicle in good condition. With a regular maintenance schedule, you will always have time to consult with a qualified professional. Subsequently, you can implement this advice to avoid future problems.
Now do you see why regular car maintenance is so important? Not only can this save you money, but it can help you avoid a lot of stress.
There is no better feeling than hitting the open road during the summer months. It does not matter of you are going on a road trip or simply doing some errands, it can be a lot of fun to get behind the wheel in nice weather (especially after a cold winter).
Unfortunately, extreme heat can take a toll on your vehicle.
Here are three of the most common summertime car problems to be aware of:
1. Engine overheating. Have you ever seen a car on the side of the road with its hood up? If so, there is a good chance it is overheating.
Did you know your engine is capable of reaching temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit? If you add in extreme outdoor temperatures, it is easy to see why this is a common problem during the summer.
To protect against this, make sure you maintain all fluid levels, including motor oil and coolant. Along with this, keep a close watch on the temperature gauge to ensure that your engine is remaining cool.
2. Dead battery. This is another common problem in the heat. While many are aware that cold weathers can negatively impact their battery, most don’t realize that extreme heat can do the same.
Is your battery old? If so, have it tested by a qualified mechanic without delay.
3. Tire failure. As temperatures rise so does tire pressure? As a result, the chance of a blow out or accelerated deterioration is much greater.
To protect against this, make sure your tires are always properly inflated. If you find yourself adding air on a regular basis, your tire may have a leak that requires attention.
These are three of the most common summertime car problems. If you are worried about running into one or more of these issues, proper maintenance can go a long way in keeping your vehicle on the road and out of your mechanic’s garage.
Every day, people from one side of the country to the next take to the roadways. Some do so for work and others for pleasure. Regardless of why you are hitting the road, there is always the chance that your car will breakdown.
While you can protect against this with the proper maintenance schedule, even then there is no way of guaranteeing that a breakdown will never occur.
Here are five things to do if you find yourself in this position:
1. Remove your car from traffic, if at all possible. Even if something goes terribly wrong with your vehicle, you should still be able to drive it to the shoulder of the road.
Note: If this is not possible, do not get out of your vehicle until you are 100 percent sure you can do so in a safe manner.
2. Call for help. Regardless of your situation, it is best to call for help as soon as it is safe to do so. From the police to a tow truck driver, decide who to call and then start dialing.
3. Alert others that you are in trouble. The use of hazard lights is a good start, but you may want to take things one step further by placing road flares 25 to 50 feet behind your vehicle (only if it is safe to do so).
4. Opt against a do-it-yourself repair. As tempting as it may be to pop the hood and take a closer look, this is not always the ideal time to do so. Your safety comes first, and attempting to make a repair on a crowded road is anything but safe.
5. Be patient. As frustrated as you may be, you need to exercise patience if your car breaks down. This will ensure your safety, while also giving you time to think through your situation.
Nobody wants to be in this situation, but if you find your car broken down the five tips above can be of great assistance.
