Friday, July 19, 2013

Don't Know How To Care For Your Car? Try These Tips!

By Fred Gagnon


If you own an automobile, you are aware of how important proper maintenance of it is. Even if you did not purchase the car new, replacing it would require a considerable expense. Learn how to properly care for your car and extend its usable life by reading the following article.

Check the tread on your tires regularly to make sure they are safe. Tires that have less than one quarter of an inch of tread probably need to be replaced. Also be aware of any bulges or cuts on the surface of your tires as this may indicate a weak area that could blow out and cause an accident while you are driving.

When you are going to get your car repaired at a shop, ask the technician what type of parts they plan to use to get the job done. Many places use refurbished parts, but they would be willing to use new parts if you wanted to pay the extra money.

If your vehicle begins making a louder noise than usual, you should suspect the muffler needs replacing. This is a job best done at a shop because it is difficult to work under a car without a lift. You can get a warning or even a ticket if your muffler sounds too loud.

The Automotive Service Excellence logo is a sign that you have found a good mechanic. Mechanics have to successfully pass an exam and maintain an excellent record to receive this logo. Not all good mechanics get this certification but you should still try finding a mechanic who is ASE certified.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires with a low pressure are a very dangerous liability. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a month or anytime you notice a tire seems to be losing air. Invest in new quality tires if you often have to adjust the pressure in your tires.

Think about snapping some photos of your car prior to taking it to the auto body shop. Though the majority of such shops are trustworthy, some shops strip vehicles for profit. Should something bad happen, it is helpful to have images of what your car looks like.

Axle

There are several dishonest mechanics around, and they will turn to intense lows to get your money. If a mechanic lets you know that your axle boot is ripped, you can ask to view it. A genuine tear will be jagged and oily. If it is a straight cut, tell them that you know they did the damage and you will speak with a lawyer if they don't fix it without charge.

Check the drive axle boots regularly. They are needed to protect your drive axle joint behind the tires. You can inspect them easily by turning your wheels to see behind them. Replace any boots that look like they are causing leaks.

Make sure you take this advice to heart as you continue along. Smile knowing you have what it takes next time your car decides to take a break. You can confidently say "no more" and work towards the best solution. Always remember to keep learning more about vehicle repairs so that you stay current.




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