1) Brake system

2) Oil change/lube

3) Cool system (radiator)

4) Ignition

5) Suspension

6) Fuel system

7) Electrical system

Transmission

9) Air conditioning

10) Exhaust

There are ways to keep your repair costs down. One of the easiest and best ways is preventative maintenance. Regularly schedule trips to your mechanic or service station can save you lots of money from future problems. Most cars have manufacturer’s maintenance schedules or you can ask your mechanic if they have their own.

Being aware of your car is important as well. Keep your eyes ears and nose open. You can visually check your car yourself. Checking all your fluids and making sure they are topped is an easy thing to do. You can inspect your tires for wear and to see if they require rotation. Do you see oil, water or break fluid under the car?

Be aware of how the car sounds. Does it sound loud while driving. Do you hear squeaks while breaking. Do you hear squealing when you turn? Do you smell fumes or smoke or burning wires? Being diligent can help keep repair coasts down.

When you do have to repair or service, make sure you ask for a written estimate ahead of time. Make sure that the mechanic will ask your approval before any repairs are made. So what they suggest and what may prevent future problems. Finding a good mechanic should be done before you need repairs done. But if you are having your car maintained regularly this should not be a problem. Make sure you are using a competent and professional mechanic for your repair work and servicing. Cheap price does not mean good work. As they say you get what you pay for. Check to see if the mechanic uses new or used parts in the repairs. Make sure the shop is clean and orderly as well.

Some problems are foreseeable and can be prevented, other problems cannot. Having a trustworthy mechanic in mind before anything happens can save a lot of headaches. As cars get older wear and tear does take its toll and repairs will be necessary at some point. Just take care and be aware.

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Check out the credentials of the mechanics employed there. Are they A.S.E. certified? In what areas? The A.S.E. certificate will show the area’s of proficiency, (there are 8 basic tests). Not all mechanics who are A.S.E. are honest but the odds go up.

AAA approval is another good sign. To become AAA approved the shop goes through a survey of their customers that requires at least a 90% satisfaction rating. A.S.E. certified technicians. And have the equipment to do the work they say they can do.

Are the people there friendly and willing to explain things to you?

Check them out with the local BBB Are there any unresolved complaints or a large number of complaints ? This should be a red flag.

Go to the shop and ask questions, start out having your oil changes done there. This give you a chance to check them out and also build a relationship. It’s better to know who will be working on your car in an emergency ahead of time than to be in a rush and have to take the nearest one with no previous knowledge of their ability or honesty.

I can’t stress this enough, stay away from backyard mechanics and friends who think they know what they are doing. You might get lucky, but the odds are against you. If these guys “fix” you car and do a poor job or throw parts at it because they lack the training and equipment the repairs could very well cost you more in the long run, not to mention the safety issue. You have almost no recourse against a bad job with these guys. A legitimate shop has insurance, a reputation to protect and a license that can be lost if they don’t do the right thing. Most states also have regulations that shops are required to follow.

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Owing a used car requires a significant investment, both in time and in general maintenance costs. With the headache involved in keeping your used car running, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of getting your oil changed regularly. While this may seem like a relatively minor maintenance procedure, it is actually a big part of preventing serious damage to a used car.

Changing the oil in your used car on a regular basis is very important for maintaining your used car’s engine. Oil helps the engine to run by keeping all of the moving parts properly lubricated. After running for several thousand miles, the oil tends to become contaminated by carbon, debris and other substances that can hinder the effectiveness of the oil. If the oil isn’t able to properly provide lubrication for the engine, serious damage to the engine can occur.

Since replacing the engine in any car, even a used car, can be extremely expensive, it’s easy to see that the relatively low cost of an oil change is a small price to pay for preventing expensive engine repairs. Most oil change services at a professional garage are under $50, even for the premium services. Most of the cost depends on the type and grade of oil that your used car requires, so make sure to choose the best option depending on your used car’s performance.

Your used car’s engine components are the most important part to keep your car running, and can also be the most expensive to fix. The preventive maintenance of an oil change can help avoid high engine repair costs, and will also allow your car to achieve maximum horsepower. Be sure to keep track of when your used car needs an oil change, since this is essential for your used car to properly function.

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