A sluggish or malfunctioning car is more than just an inconvenience — it can cost you money. That’s why it pays to perform regular maintenance and keep up with your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, experts say.
Performing routine maintenance also can help you avoid costly repairs down the road, they add. It’s important to check for and replace worn and overused parts, such as the brake pads, window wiper blades and drive belts. And don’t forget to wash your car and apply a protective wax coating periodically, especially in winter, to help protect against road salt and ice.
The best way to prevent problems is to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, which can be found in the owner’s manual. If your vehicle is over 60,000 miles, consider flushing the engine coolant and replacing the oil every year.
Other essential maintenance items include the spark plugs, coil packs and ignition wires; power steering hoses; alternator belt; radiator hoses; air and fluid filters; and the drive and transmission belts. It’s also a good idea to have the shocks and struts on your vehicle inspected by a professional periodically, particularly if they seem to be leaking or not working properly. The windshield wiper blades should be replaced seasonally to extend their life, and the tires should be rotated regularly and the tread inspected for proper wear.
When you need to have a part repaired, shop around to get the best price and quality work. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or look for a certified auto repair technician who specializes in your make of car. Then be sure to get a written estimate before any repairs are performed. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on repairs, while others base their charges on the time a technician actually spends on a job.
Before letting any mechanic touch your car, you should understand how the shop prices its services, says California-based mechanic Rebekah Fleischaker. It’s helpful to have basic foundational knowledge about your vehicle, such as what temperature the fuel, oil and air pressure gauges should be, she said. Also, a good idea is to know what the warning lights and gauges on your dashboard mean, she added.
If you’re worried about being ripped off at a repair shop, try to resolve the issue with the manager of the shop first through mediation or keeping copies of all paperwork and communications. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which may send a warning letter to the repair shop or conduct a full investigation. If necessary, it can suspend or revoke the shop’s license and impose fines. You can file a complaint online or by calling the DMV’s consumer hotline at (800) 222-7386. Also, contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if it can assist you in resolving the problem. The BBB offers a free dispute resolution service that helps you find a fair solution with businesses in your area.
