I have listed the top 5 maintenance items for a car that you will run into and will require your attention such as your first oil change, brake noise, tune up, antifreeze condition, and your service engine lights in the dash. This article is a refresher course for the first time car owners out there. For instance lets say you hear a noise coming from your car. The first thing that will pop into everyone’s mind is usually, “How Much will This Noise Cost me.” After working on cars and trucks for over 25 years, here is what we experienced the most when it comes to maintenance for a car
1. Oil Changes
2. Brake Estimates
3. Questions Regarding When a Car Tune Up is Required
4. Antifreeze Flush and Fill or Radiator Drain and Fill
5. Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light Has Come On
Oil Changes should be performed at LEAST every 3 months or 3 thousand miles. Your car’s engine is a metal to metal running machine under your gas pedal. The oil is what keeps these metal parts from over heating and ruining your engine. So please keep your car engines oil changed.
Brake estimates should be performed anytime you hear a noise when you hit the brake pedal to stop or slow down. The quicker you get your brakes checked for that noise the lower your brake repair bill will be. Get at least two brake repair estimates. Go with the lowest one possible.
Tune-ups on your car or truck these days are designed to go a lot further between each tune up. I would recommend you get your car or truck tuned up at least every thirty thousand miles. Ask your auto mechanic to advise you of what should be addressed first. The reason is some auto technicians will show you an estimate that will blow your mind!
Antifreeze flush and fills should be performed every thirty thousand miles or so to keep your cooling system from rusting out. Some auto manufacturers recommend only a radiator drain and fill. Ask your mechanic what his professional opinion would be on this decision. The reason is you have to visually look inside of the radiator to see what condition the antifreeze is in.
Your check engine or service engine soon light may come on while you are driving. This light does not mean you need a tune up or oil change as you might suspect. It just means you may possibly have a bad engine sensor that will need to be replaced then have your light reset.
I hope you have learned a little about your maintenance items that will require your attention after buying your car or truck. In the future check out, "The Car Repair Savings Blog"
