Welcome Back!
For those in the states, Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is having a great weekend? I had a great time yesterday at Lime Rock Race Track looking at all the cool cars!
This morning, while looking at the articles on Yahoo, I found this great article on how to save money on car repairs. Take a look at it as it has a lot of great tips!
Cut Car Repair Costs! http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/cut-car-repair-costs-161000765.html .
I do have some information of my own to add to this article, when it comes to saving money and doing research.
Keep your ride in prime shape by following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This one I agree with. There is a place in your automobile owner's manual in the glove box. (Lost your owner's manual? find it on Edmunds.com.) Look in the index and find the maintenance section. It will tell you when certain maintenance must be done on the vehicle to keep it in good running condition.
Try another independent shop that specializes in your car's model or a chain like Honest 1 or Meineke if friends or family have recommended them. I also recommend Midas and Aamco (double check to make sure they still do them in your area). Everyone has preferences, but Midas and Aamco do free inspections. When I hear a noise I cannot identify - I take it in to my friends at Midas to look at and then give me an estimate as to what it would cost. Then I go to my local mechanic I use and have him double-check as it saves me more money that way.
If your check-engine light comes on, get it evaluated at a reputable shop within a few days. I go to Auto Zone or Advanced to have my light checked for free. Have them print or write down the codes for you. Go to the internet and look up the codes for your car. I have a Ford Taurus Wagon so this is what you would type into the search bar: 1995 Ford Taurus wagon OBD codes. 1996 and Newer use OBD II codes - so you can have them checked at the local parts stores. 1995 and Older, you will either have to buy the code reader (it comes with directions) and check yourself or check with your local mechanic to see how much a diagnostic is. If you do not know how to use one - please go to your local mechanic as you could be reading it wrong.
Become a DIY-er - some auto parts stores offer auto repair manuals and you can even find them online. They carry some DVDs to show you how to repair certain things, such as brakes. You can also go to eHow.com and type in what you want to do - "How do I change the oil in my 95 Ford Taurus?" The one thing I used to teach when I was in the auto parts store - was how to install wiper blades. It's fairly easy on older models. Some newer model cars, trucks, and suvs still have to go to the dealer for the Rear Window Blade as the parts stores do not usually sell the rear blades below 11 inches in size.
Get a check-up before you travel. ALWAYS do a pre-trip before you go anywhere! You could save yourself a huge headache in the long run before you discover you have problems. I also recommend going to an auto parts store or the auto section of places like Walmart and Target to pick up an Emergency kit in case you do break down. Comes with jumper cables, a flashlight, and some other stuff. They also have Emergency kits for tires as well. *Winter is coming - so make sure you carry an insulated blanket in case your battery quits and you're stuck in the cold - at least it will help you to keep your body warm.
Thanks for reading today!
Sincerely,
Sylvia Guillemette
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