Chapter 6

19 Mechanics Secrets To Make Your Car Last Longer

I got repaired cheaper just to save the cost.

I tried to cut corners to avoid the imagined loss,

But the result was a shoddy job done by a careless man

So I saved nothing, because I had to get it done again.

~~~

A pampered car repays you with long life

Ignore it and it can cause you much strife,

If you take time to maintain it,

It will fill your wallet not drain it,

Then you'll know the decision to maintain it was right!

This chapter is for the person who wants to keep their car as long as possible.

It's also for the person who wants to make the fewest donations to local auto mechanic.

To enjoy the benefits, along with peace of mind and trouble free driving, there is something you must do.

Relax, you won't have to turn your garage into a repair shop or get grease under your fingernails (Unless you like that sort of thing).

 Just read and follow the suggestions in this chapter. That old saying stills rings true, "take car of your car - and it will take care of you."

 This chapter shows you how to take care of your car without getting a drop of grease under your fingernails (unless you want to). Sound good so far?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your auto repair cost is through routine maintenance. It's a lot cheaper to maintain your car than it is to get it repaired or replaced. Do the math.

The difference between a clunker and a cream puff goes back to how the owner treated it in the past.

This chapter will show you how to make your car last longer from a mechanics viewpoint. Dozens of mechanics responded to poll.

Although many mechanics can tell you this same information, most can't or won't because of time restrictions.

The profit motive also comes into play. After all, if they tell you how to make your car last longer you may not need them.

I have no hidden profit motive like that, so I can spill the beans and help you save as much money on auto repair cost as you can stand.

So, if you're ready. Turn the ignition - on your attention and let's go. You're about to drive more miles with more smiles.

 1. Research by major auto manufacturers reveal neglect of routine maintenance as the number 1 reason for most major car repairs. Routine maintenance doesn't cost, it saves money, aggravation and lives.

2. If your car needs a major repair, it's wise to try to get at least 3 estimates. Don't just decide by the cheapest price, but by experience, competence and after-service care.

3. If you find a good mechanic who you can trust stick with him (all things being equal). You'll save time, money and frustration in the long run. Plus your mechanic will get to know your car more intimately.

4. Don't race or gun your engine in the morning. Accelerate slowly and smoothly when your engine is cold. Your valves and pistons will appreciate it and your neighbors will also.

5. Avoid burning rubber, it places excessive wear on your transmission, rear end and tires. Find another way to impress onlookers.

6. An international tire research company estimated 33% of all tires on the road is under-inflated. Under-inflated tires wear out quicker and blow out easier.

Under-inflated tires also put enormous stress on your cars suspension system.

You should check your tires at least once a month.

7. Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard stops. For example, when going from stop light to stop light. Stop and accelerate gradually. This will not only save gas, but save wear and tear on your brake linings, transmission and suspension.

8. Avoid tire squealing turns and flying over speed bumps and potholes. This is murder on your tires, shock absorbers and ball joints. Which could cost you hundreds of dollars to replace.

9. When it comes to auto repairs, cheapest is not always the best. Normally the best mechanics with the best equipment cost more. Often mechanics who charge extremely low prices have inferior or out-dated equipment and little or no formal training, so beware.

10. If your car has cruise control use it. Using your cars cruise control will save you 5% - 10% per gallon of gas on long trips, as well as reducing driver fatigue.

11. Avoid constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator when driving. This practice is not only wasting gas and oil but putting excessive pressure on your drive train.

12. When driving in stop and go traffic, don't ride the brake pedal. This wastes fuel and slowly wears out your brake linings. It's better to shift to a lower gear until traffic speeds up.

13. Driving with the windows all the way down at 55 miles or higher burns 10% more gas than driving with them up.

14. When possible avoid turning your air-conditioner on at highway speeds. This puts an excessive load on your compressor and fan clutch, causing quicker wear and tear. Instead try to turn your air- conditioner on at speeds of 25-35 miles per hour when possible.

15. Avoid running your car with the tank low on gas. Keeping your tank low or almost empty increases the chance for moisture and dirt settling in your fuel tank.

16. Tires driven at 70 mph or more wear out twice as fast as tires driven at 55 mph. So if you want your tires to last, don't drive too fast.

17. A government study has revealed the top 3 reasons for automobile breakdowns on the road.

*Tire trouble

*Cooling system problems

*Running out of gas.

18. To choose the right repair shop - for you, it's wise to have a minor maintenance job done first. How did they treat you and your car? Moral of the story? The best time to look for a good repair shop is when you don't need one.

19. Regular oil changes is the best value dollar for dollar you can do to make your engine last longer.

When you neglect the rules in this chapter, cars have the funniest (or not so funny) ways of stopping on you at the worst times.

Take the time to invest in keeping your car maintained with regular check ups and smart driving habits. You'll find your money making fewer emergency visits to your mechanic- and more visits to your savings.