Your car is one of the biggest expenses you will have in
your lifetime. Besides a house, your car is usually the second biggest
investment you make. It can be a money pit or a big money saver, depending on
the car you choose and more importantly, the way you take care of your
investment. Cars are notoriously a bad investment because they depreciate in
value. Property, stock and other forms of investment typically go up in value
over time. The best bet to save money on
vehicles is to buy reliable, used cars and to drive them for a long time. In
order to drive them for a number of years, it is vital keep them running well
with proper maintenance.
The most important aspect of car care is checking and
changing the oil. It sounds very simple, but so many people fail to check the
oil periodically and don't get the oil changed within a reasonable amount of
time. There are countless stories from mechanics about people bringing in a car
with 25,000 miles on it and they report having problems with the vehicle.
Checking the oil
level and quality at least every other time you fill up is a good practice. You
can see if the oil level is staying consistent as well as the overall color
(shouldn't appear dirty or too dark). Early detection, whether oil is leaking
or becoming excessively dirty, can be the difference between a $100 repair and
one that requires a new transmission or engine if left unchecked.
Proper tire pressure is not only safe, but vital to
preventing tire, axle and other kinds of car problems. It is smart to do it
before any extended car trip or vacation, but also should be checked at least
once a month with your regular schedule. In addition to checking to make sure
the tire pressure is correct, a visual inspection of the tread wear is also
important. Any discrepancies in the tire's tread could be a sign of an
alignment problem, presenting a hazard in an accident or emergency handling
situation.
Most people think an oil change is just getting new oil and
a filter into the car. The oil change should really consist of more than that.
Every 3,000 miles or so, your car needs and deserves a quick "check
up" for its current condition and possible upcoming services it may
need. West Side Tire and Service will
inspect and check the following areas during the routine oil changes: check the
air filter, CV boots, exhaust system, battery, fluids, brakes and radiator. It
sounds like a time-consuming task but a qualified crew can check these things
off rather quickly. Getting these areas addressed at the beginning of a developing
situation will prevent most if not all of the major car problems.
For more information or to schedule an appointment visit
westsidetireservice.com, or call 330.799.4894.
