Top 10 Auto Repair & Maintenance Hacks to Keep Your Car Going

The world of cars can be overwhelming, especially to a new driver or to someone who has never previously owned a car. The checklist of Mesa car maintenance items is long and may have terms that a new driver does not understand. For simplicity’s sake, we have compiled a list of the top ten repair and maintenance hacks to prioritize when you are preparing to take care of a new vehicle.

Emergency Kit

It is very important to keep an emergency kit in your car at all times. Ideally, this would contain items such as a small first aid kit, a few snacks and bottles of water, blankets, flashlight with batteries, engine oil, and a some specific Mesa car repair tools for charging/jumping the battery and changing your tires. Storing these items in a special crate in your trunk will keep them handy in case you are ever stranded somewhere for an extended amount of time.

Ask Questions

Anytime you are at a Mesa repair shop or have Mesa mechanics working on your vehicle, be sure to ask lots of questions. Keep a little notebook in your glove box so you can jot down questions as they come up, so you remember them next time you are at a repair shop. Ask about any previous issues or prevention tips, and learn about what the mechanics are doing with your car. The more thoroughly you understand the repair process and how your car works, the better off you will be in the long run.

Review Potential Repair Shops

Before you choose a specific repair shop to bring your car into, read through reviews online. Previous experiences of other clients is the #1 way to learn about how a repair shop will potentially treat you. If there are multiple poor reviews, find someone else. It is worth your time to do research and choose a highly-rated Mesa repair shop that will do the job right the first time and care for your vehicle as their own. Utilizing an unreputable mechanic can cost you thousands in future repairs that would be unnecessary if you had just taken the time to look at reviews first.

Check the Spare Tire

Make sure you always have a spare tire and car jack in your trunk. While you may not ever have a need for them, it is much better to be over-prepared than to be caught stranded with a flat tire and no replacement. Remember to check the pressure of the spare tire periodically to be sure it is not going flat. It must be able to function properly when the time comes to use it.

Wiper Blades

Routinely check the condition of your windshield wiper blades. If they are squeaking, leaving streaks, or jerking across your windshield, it is time to replace them with new ones. Leaving deteriorating wiper blades on your car is a hazard to yourself and other drivers when poor weather conditions arise. Blades are inexpensive and easy to replace, so it is well worth the small expense to keep them maintained.

Oil Changes

Oil changes are often overlooked by drivers. When oil becomes overused and dirty, it will begin to clog up your engine and cause it to run poorly. Doing this consistently will take a toll on your engine parts and increase the need for expensive repairs. Getting your oil changed every 5000-6000 miles or so will go a long way toward increasing the life of your car. Check with your Mesa mechanics to find out the recommended oil change schedule for your particular vehicle.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your car clean inside and out is not only appealing visually, but goes a long way in protecting your car and its engine. This is especially true in the winter with all the slush, cold weather, and salted roads – all these things contribute to rust and deterioration. Set a cleaning schedule that will make it easy to remember to bring your car to the car wash, and keep in mind that by doing so you are helping your car to last longer and prevent future issues.

Good Warranties

If you are investing in Mesa car ac repair, or any other expensive engine parts, search around for a good warranty. Always ask your mechanic in Mesa before they begin to repair the damages what kind of warranties are offered on the parts they are ordering for your vehicle. Ask how long they last and be sure to get a paper copy of the details as well.

Check Issues Immediately

Do not hesitate to bring your car in to a mechanic when any issues arise. Though it may seem expensive or like a waste of time, remember that ultimately you are saving yourself from investing in much larger and more expensive repairs in the future. A little bit of prevention and smaller investment right now goes a long way toward protecting your car for later.

Tire Care

Lastly, always take good care of your tires. Remember they take the brunt of each road trip and should be treated with care. Be sure they are properly inflated (ask your mechanic to show you if you do not know how to check it yourself), and consistently check the tread to be sure it is not overly worn down. Also be sure you have tires appropriate for the season, and drive wisely to help extend their lifetime (no crazy accelerations or hard brakes!). And once again, when getting your tires replaced, ask the mechanic about the warranties offered on your new tires.

Following these top ten basic tips will help extend the lifetime of your car and protect its expensive engine. At Scottsdale Muffler, we know the importance of routine vehicle maintenance and are happy to help you maintain yours. We pride ourselves in excellent service to each client and their vehicle, and are always available to answer your questions and provide efficient, quality service. Call Scottsdale Muffler today to get your vehicle scheduled for a check, and remember to ask about our affordable pricing packages!

Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive
1710 E Curry Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281

Office: 480-994-4741
Website: https://scottsdalemuffler.com