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5 Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Large Repair Bills Down the Road

A recent report by AAA stated that one out of four Americans could not afford a $2,000 repair bill if faced with one.  Many of us are trying to save money, and regular or preventative auto repair and maintenance might not always be budgeted in. 

Master Technician John Riggle, from NARPRO member shop The Auto Shop, provides tips that can help prevent a large repair bill down the road.  John says it’s important to note though, that sometimes the $2,000 plus bill is not preventable with maintenance; some repairs are going to be costly no matter how well you take care of your car.  Here are some of his suggestions you can do now to (hopefully) prevent a bigger repair bill down the road.

1) Avoid incompetent maintenance – “We see more damages caused by improper maintenance and service procedures than caused by normal wear and tear,” says John.  Incorrect fluids, no matter how often they are changed, will cause extensive damage when it comes to incorrect engine oil,transmission fluid and coolant. John often comes across air filter changes from unqualified installers improperly sealing air cleaner housings; even the best filter is harmful if the housing isn’t sealed correctly. 

2) Replace the timing belt – John says this is “A relatively inexpensive service when replaced as recommended.”  Find out when the manufacturer recommends replacing the belt and follow their recommendations.  If your belt unexpectedly breaks while driving, your car will immediately stall, often causing severe engine damage.  A repair like this costs over $1,500, not to mention the cost of towing your car.

3) Maintain a clean car, over and under – Have fluid leaks checked right away.  “It makes a difference,” says John. “Battery acid from cheap, poorly maintained batteries can tear up a $2,000 wiring harness in a minute.”  John says to prevent this, simply rinse the battery with a garden hose.  Also rinsing the underside of your vehicle can help with reducing the chance of fluid leaks.  Engine mounts, suspension bushings and steering racks will fail as a direct result of irregular cleaning. 

4) Address even small failures immediately - Don’t wait or ignore the warning lights, such as the check engine light. According to John, “They’re your warning sign that there is a system malfunction.”  He also suggests reading your car’s owner’s manual so you understand the warning lights and recommended services for your vehicle, or ask your service advisor at your reliable NARPRO repair shop.

5) Don’t drive until the gas tank is empty – Your fuel pump won’t tolerate it if you drive until you run out of gas, or get dangerously close to empty.  Many fuel pumps can cost around $900 to replace.

But remember, even if you do the tips suggested, John says it’s important to budget your money, because from time to time the $2000 failures are going to occur. 

5 Things a GOOD Mechanic Wants You to Know . . . You Just Need to Ask the Right Questions!

In today’s economy most people want to avoid additional debt so purchasing a new car is low on their list of priorities. According to MSN.com, most cars can be run until they are close to 200,000 miles IF they are well taken care of. There are several things you can do to keep your current vehicle running longer and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

“With a little knowledge, customers can feel empowered and not intimidated by the auto repair process,” said Jay Jennings, General Manager of NARPRO (Network of Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals). “Consumers should do their research and always remember they have the right get the services they paid for.” NARPRO helps consumers find reliable and trustworthy Phoenix auto repair and body shops http://www.narpro.com/Auto-Repair. Shops listed on this site have passed a stringent 26-point test of quality, integrity and customer service.

Some of these simple guidelines could help your technician diagnose and fix your problem fast and more efficiently - - saving you time and money in the long run.

Here are the top tips from Jennings:

1. Pay attention to what’s going on with your car. If you can provide detailed information about what your car is doing it will help a PRO fine-tune their diagnosis. Providing information on warning signs you experienced before and after your car started acting up is important. For example; when did the problem start? Did you see any warning lights? Hear any unusual sounds? Smell anything funny?

2. Establish a budget and put aside the money to maintain your car each year. Especially if your car is out of warranty, planning for expenses is extremely valuable. If you own a mid size sedan and drive the average 10-15,000 miles a year Jennings estimates the cost to maintain your car is about $1,500 - $2,500 annually, “this figure accounts for regular maintenance, tires and major services needed to keep your car running.” Smaller cars are typically less expensive to maintain than larger cars, with SUVs and luxury vehicles running even higher than these average numbers.

3. Ask questions and keep asking them until you really understand what needs to be done with your car. A good auto mechanic in Phoenix http://narpro.com/Auto-Mechanic will be happy to give you a lesson on how parts work together and may even be able to show you a diagram or video examples. You can also ask for damaged/worn parts back after a service is rendered. Got your timing belt replaced? Ask to have the worn out belt back. You can toss it once you get home but you’ll have piece of mind the repair was done. Plus you will be able to see with your own eyes the belt was cracked, broken or worn and needed to be replaced.

4. Develop a long-term relationship with your auto repair shop. Building trust will save you headaches and money in the long run. A reputable repair shop can provide you with a roadmap for future repairs, will stand behind their work and having a vehicle history will help technicians provide the best service for your car. Plus your car may be considered more valuable when you sell it if you can show all of your repair work history. Use a service like http://www.NARPRO.com to find a reputable repair shop in your area.

5. Be diligent about routine maintenance. Get to know your owners manual and the recommended major service intervals for your vehicle. There are things that need to be serviced or checked every 30,000 miles. It’s more than just having your oil changed and tires rotated. YOU play a big part in making sure your car is properly taken care of. Diligent preventative care will extend the life of your car and in most cases it is cheaper to take care of your car than to buy a new one!

Jennings also added that customers should remember a ‘good value’ is not just about the cheapest price but also includes the quality of the work, customer service and a shop’s willingness to stand by their repairs.