Finding a reliable auto mechanic can be essential to your peace of mind. Even when it comes to things mechanical, the individual touch matters, and there are some people and auto repair services that seem to have an almost magical way with cars. They can help you keep your car humming along happily, and handle any minor issues that arise. Of course, with regular maintenance and checks, there’s no need for major vehicle repairs.
Regular maintenance saves you money and hassle
Whether you’re driving your first car or you’ve been driving for forty years, it’s good to remind yourself of the basics. Regular maintenance ultimately saves you money, by avoiding costly vehicle repairs further down the road. And conversely, neglecting your vehicle can lead to unnecessarily expensive repairs. In fact, it’s estimate that the economy loses more than $ 2 billion each year due to the costs of neglecting vehicles.
- Tire alignment should be checked after every 6,000 miles. For most people, it’s convenient to have it done when you have an oil change.
- Brakes are good for 25,000 miles to 50,000 miles. They should also be checked with every oil change.
- Belts and hoses should be checked regularly to prevent breakdowns. According to the Car Care Council, timing belts should be replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
Safety and performance depend on the tires
Tires are crucial to your vehicle’s performance and safety. They should be properly inflated, since under- inflated tires are a safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the likelihood of a traffic accident increases three times for vehicles driving on tires that are under-inflated by 25% of the recommended setting.
Tires treads matter as much as correct inflation. Treads should be in good condition and when they are worn down to 6/32nds of an inch, it’s time for new tires. Tire replacement at the right time makes a crucial difference to your safety on the road.
For instance, when you have worn out tires with a groove depth of less than 1.6 mm, hydroplaning starts at much lower speeds, around 47 mph. For new tires, hydroplaning starts at 60 mph. In all kinds of weathers, one of the best guarantees of your safety is the condition of your tires.
Winter tires provide a better grip
If you live in areas with heavy snowfall, you probably need winter tires as well. Your regular vehicle repair services should be able to set you up with a good set of winter tires. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re getting winter tires, you need to change all four.
Some people think that if have a vehicle with all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive, they can get by with just changing to two winter tires. But this will seriously unbalance the vehicle and create a real hazard on the road. The good news is that your insurance company may be one of those that offers 5% off on your premium for getting winter tires.
Experienced car owners know that regular maintenance can reduce and even eliminate the need for vehicle repair. It’s also the best guarantee of your safety on the road.
