Fine Tuning: Best Ways to Stay on Top of Future Car Repairs

No matter how well you take care of your car, there will always be future repairs you’ll have to take care of one day. Your car’s parts will start to wear over time, and the process is inevitable. Luckily, you can do some things to try to prepare yourself for a future costly event. The following are four tips can help you avoid a huge expense down the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Alternator Deaths

The alternator death is a very common problem in cars. The alternator is that nifty looking, and extremely heavy generator that handles the way the energy flows. Sometime after 100,000 miles, you will have flickering lights, slow power windows, and eventually no start. Start pricing alternators now so you can be ready when the day comes. You have many options for finding alternators. You don’t necessarily have to buy a brand new one. Junk yards, online auction sites, and discount auto parts stores may have what you need. Just ensure that you get a warranty on the alternator in case it doesn’t work.

Belt Snaps

Your serpentine belt controls many components underneath your hood such as your alternator, water pump, air conditioner, power steering, and the like. If your belt snaps, you won’t be going anywhere for a while. Fortunately, serpentine belts are not that expensive, and the replacement time is not painstaking. You can purchase the tools and the belt and keep them in the back of your car for when this incident occurs.

Gasket Wear

Gasket wear is something else that can happen over time. You may develop a leak in your valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, head gasket and so on. None of those situations is desirable, but all of them are common. Use high-mileage oil and some gasket-sealing additives that can help keep your gaskets tight when your car gets old.

Thermostat and Cooling System Issues

Overheating will most likely occur at least once while you have your car. The most common culprits are wacky thermostats and water pumps. You can get a thermostat for less than the price of a pair of shoes. It would be wise to keep one in the trunk along with some tools.

Get the Number to a Body Shop

Be sure to locate and save the number to a car collision and repair center. You never know when an accident or a fender bender will occur and you can save yourself time and money by researching and finding a good provider now. Places like Chehalis Collision Center will even rent you a car while yours is still in the shop.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your car. You and your vehicle will be happy that you did.