|
|
A few minutes saves hundreds of dollars...Jan 19 '00 Write an essay on this topic.I never paid much attention to my car until I became active in the fire service. One of my duties was to oversee the regular maintenance of two fire engines. We had weekly and monthly checklists, as well as the manufacturer supplied recommendations for service. I have since started to adopt a similar theory on my own personal vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for oil changes, filters, tire rotations, and other scheduled service. Probably the most important thing to do is to keep a log of maintenance. Whether you do the work or a mechanic does it, keep all receipts and records together. For example, if you change your own oil and filter, write down the date and mileage as well as the work done. Keep the receipt as proof, especially if you are still under warranty. Usually the manufacturer will suggest a weekly and monthly check of the vehicle between regular servicing. You can also find this information in Hayne's vehicle books or Chilton's, or any other guide that goes with your car. Pay special attention to recommended fluids, for instance, if I use a synthetic motor oil, my warranty is voided and know what the capacities of the fluids in your car. Just something to keep in mind. A good weekly or monthly check should include, but not be limited to, oil level and color, tire pressure and integrity, vehicle lights, transmission fluid level and color, windshield wiper fluid level, power steering fluid level, coolant level, and braking, just to name a few. Low tire pressure can hurt your gas mileage, so it is always good to check. Inspect for any visible leaks below where you park or anywhere under the hood. What kind of car you drive will dictate what you ned to check and how often. A few bucks for a Chilton or Hayne's guide can save you a lot in the long run. Most of these manuals offer troubleshooting tips for noises or problems so you can catch them early. If you are not sure about something, call your mechanic, the manufacturer, or dealer. Be careful of what work you do to your car, especially if you are under warranty because certain work will void parts of the warranty. Keep records and be sure to take your car in to be serviced when it is scheduled. My rule of thumb is to take it in within 100 miles of the target mileage. If you plan on doing some of the work yourself, it is not a bad idea to send it to a mechanic every so often for the regular work and just ask them to listen and look for anything that seems funny. Since you drive the vehicle every day, you may not notice that something is deteriorating. You can also call the manufacturer to find out about recalls. You will need you VIN number when you call. It is always a good idea to just check every once in a while to see if there are any. Hopefully, a little time and few bucks will prevent major work down the road. If you are not sure about something, let a mechanic do it and most importantly, keep good records. Happy and Safe Driving!  |
| Read all comments (2)|Write your own comment |
|
