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| Car maintenance that is improperly performed can end up creating an expensive headache down the road. |
Do-It-Yourself Car Maintenance
Saving money now
could cost you more later
Handling your own vehicle maintenance is a good way to save money, but it can come at a steep price if it's not done in a comprehensive manner that is specific to your vehicle.
Due to financial concerns and the current state of the economy, more motorists are now performing their own vehicle maintenance than just a few years ago. This means that fewer vehicles are getting their required routine maintenance, resulting in more breakdowns on the side of the road.
Not maintaining a vehicle properly can often cost more than routine maintenance. The national average repair cost for a vehicle that goes into a shop under its own power is $180, and a vehicle that has to be towed averages $400. If you experience a catastrophic breakdown, the costs are double. So preventative maintenance could keep you from being on the back of a tow truck.
It is critical that motorists perform basic maintenance on their cars in order to keep them running safely and reliably, especially since statistics show that motorists keep their vehicles an average of more than nine years. Key services such as routine oil changes, tire rotations, and timing belt or timing chain replacements can be a car owner's insurance against unnecessary and/or major car repairs.
Motorists who perform their own vehicle maintenance need to make sure they know exactly what they are doing.
Some common mistakes are:
- Improper fluids or additives: Failure to use the manufacturer's recommended fluids can result in premature component failure, especially on items such as transmissions and differentials. Some aftermarket additives can do more harm than good.
- Improper jump-starts: This is one of the most common procedures performed by do-it-yourselfers. But failing to properly boost a vehicle can damage the battery, onboard computers and sensitive electrical components. Always be sure to follow the proper order of cable connection when connecting and disconnecting. Many newer cars require a specific procedure to be followed in order to prevent damage to system components, such as turning the radio off and putting the fan speed on low.
- Oil changes: If you're not careful, you could use the wrong oil filter, leave the old "O" ring in the engine, or not sufficiently tighten the newly installed filter. Any of these can cause the oil to leak out of your vehicle and create internal engine damage that is far more expensive to repair than having a professional perform the oil change for you in the first place.
When in doubt, ask for advice from a professional. It is always better to ask an expert before you attempt a repair than to wait until after the damage is done.