5 Common Auto Repair Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

auto repair mistakes

Did you know there are 6 million car accidents every year in the US?

You might assume that most accidents are caused by drunk driving or bad weather conditions. But did you know that poor vehicle maintenance is also responsible for many serious accidents?

Don’t put your family or others on the road at risk. Read on for the most common (and dangerous) auto repair mistakes.

1. Neglecting Routine Maintenance

We’re all guilty of driving a few miles past our next scheduled oil change, but what about other regular maintenance and inspections? How often do you check your tire pressure and oil levels? What about antifreeze, brake fluid, and transmission fluid?

Don’t assume that because your car is running fine you can skip those regular maintenance checks. Get familiar with your car’s recommended maintenance schedule and stick to it—no excuses!

2. Ignoring Wear & Tear

Nothing on your car lasts forever, especially if you’re putting a lot of miles on it. Squealing brakes or a blown headlight are clear signs you need do some repair work, but not all wear and tear is that obvious.

For example, driving on a bald tire or a tire with low pressure can be deadly. But you won’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late. Make it a habit to inspect your car at least once a month and before any long road trips.

3. Adding the Wrong Fluid

Those manufacturer specs exist for a reason. Your car was designed to run using a specific type of oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

In an attempt to save money, many car owners grab the first bottle they see and top up their fluids at home. Big mistake! There’s nothing wrong with topping up your vehicle’s fluids yourself, but make sure you check the manual first and get the right type of fluid for the make and model.

4. Ignoring Warning Lights

Older cars use a series of warning lights to alert you to any unseen problems. Newer cars may report the same information on your console display unit.

Either way, those alerts are there to tell you when you need to check your engine, brakes, tire pressure, or any other vehicle system. When an alert pops up, don’t ignore it! Take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them check it out.

5. Choosing a Discount Mechanic

Speaking of mechanics, don’t take your car to the cheapest guy in town. An exceptionally low price for auto repair services is a sign of inferior skills or service (or both). (xanax)

Look for a “middle of the road” mechanic who’s not too cheap or too expensive. And make sure any mechanic you choose sources their parts from a reputable company, such as Performance Parts.

Don’t Make These Auto Repair Mistakes!

We all fall short from time to time, but caring for your car is one area where you don’t want to slack off.

At best, you’ll end up with some costly repair work in the future. At worst, you’re putting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone on the road at risk.

Follow the tips listed above to avoid costly and potentially dangerous auto repair mistakes. That way you’ll keep your car running great for years to come.

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