Free Automotive Advice
From Adviceopedia
With all the talk about getting ripped off by mechanics, free automotive advice can offer you some tips and insight on what is really going on with your car. Understanding common car problems and how to fix them can save you money in the long run.
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Free Automotive Advice and Tips
Have it Inspected before You Buy It
Before you buy your car, have it inspected by an auto mechanic not related to the seller of the vehicle. Ask the owner for permission to take the car to the auto mechanic of your choice for an inspection. This step can help you prepare for any future costs you may incur by purchasing the vehicle, such as bad brakes or rust spots.
Any free automotive advice you read will tell you to have the mechanic:
- Inspect the brakes
- Check the oil
- Check the belts
- Test the battery
- Inspect the tires
- Look at the undercarriage for any possible damage on bearings
- Look for rust spots
Ask the owner for the history of the car including both maintenance history and an accident report.
Read the Owner’s Manual for Recommended Services
Every vehicle offers different maintenance requirements. To find out how often you need to change the oil or have a fluid exchange, consult the manual. You will also learn:
- What type of gas to use
- Tire size recommended
- Fuse locations
- Warning lights
- How to program the radio and other technical perks
Oil Changes are Necessary
Your oil should be changed every 3000 miles (unless recommended differently). If you skip this step, you may not notice anything right away, but you can cause damage many miles down the road such as excess sludge in the engine. What happens is the oil breaks down and can not protect the engine the way it is designed to.
Inspect and Rotate the Tires
Have your tires inspected during the oil change and rotated when needed. The best tread goes on the drive axel:
- Front wheel drive: the best tread goes on the front of the car
- Rear wheel drive: the best tread goes on the rear of the car
Having your oil changed regularly also provides your mechanic an opportunity to inspect your vehicle for other mechanical problems, like bad brakes.
Understanding What Needs to Be Replaced on Your Brakes
Chances are you will need to have your brakes fixed during the life of your car. There are a few indicators that will indicate your brakes are going bad. Take your car in right away if you:
- Hear a noise, like a squealing or grinding
- Notice the pedal seems spongy or soft
- Feel a vibration while braking
- Notice a hard pull when braking to the left or right
Even if you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected every 9,000 miles (every 3 oil changes) or before and after long trips.
If you catch it early, a brake fix can be as simple as changing your brake pads. Many manufacturers have recommendations on when these are supposed to be replaced.
If you don’t have your brake pads replaced right away, then the steel backing of the brake pad can make contact with the rotor, causing irreplaceable damage to the rotor service and increasing the cost of your brake job.
When getting a quote for your brake job, ask the mechanic to show you the brakes and rotors.
Don't wait to have your brakes fixed. Waiting can cause an accident, and will most likely cost you more money in the long run due to damaged rotors and hardware.
The Truth Behind Flushes
You won't have to worry about a flush until your car has 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Your owner’s manual will tell you when your car will need one.
There are two different kinds of flushes:
- Transmission flushes
- Coolant flushes
The purpose of a flush is to keep your car running smoothly. For similar reasons you change the oil, the fluid does not work as well after you have driven so many miles.
If you are having trouble with your transmission, have it looked at before deciding to get a flush.
Fix Rust Spots as Soon as You Find Them
If you notice a rust spot, have it fixed right away or it will rust all the way through and make a hole. With some simple automotive painting tips, you may be able to fix them yourself.
This free automotive advice is simple, but it can save you money and time in the long run.
