Many people prefer car repair over purchasing a new vehicle during uncertain economic times. Nothing can substitute for quality car repair if you want to keep your car operating well.
A do it yourselfer with an eye towards saving money, particularly during a rough financial patch, will prefer to save money by doing his or her own car repair. The car owner can perform such minor service as replacing wiper blades, filters, headlights, batteries and spark plugs, and changing the oil. A few hours over a weekend can save hundreds of dollars in car repair costs.
If you have a ratchet or open end wrench, an oil filter wrench, recycling container and funnel, you can change your own oil. Likewise, all you need for a simple radiator flush is a Phillips head screwdriver or wrench, rag, radiator flush solution, coolant, funnel, and receptacle for the used coolant and you are ready to go. If you have a set of needle nose pliers and a replacement valve, you can replace the engine PCV valve for relatively low cost. Regular do it yourself car repair projects such as these can ensure that your car remains in good form.
More complicated tasks are best left to the certified car repair technician, however. It is vital that the shop you choose for your professional car repair service is ethical and takes top notch care of your vehicle. Get recommendations from friends and family. Find out whether the car repair shop you are interested in has loyal customers. That shop should also use only the most current equipment and employ only ASE certified car repair technicians. A seal of approval from ASE, or National Institute for Auto Service Excellence, is the standard for quality service and competency and your guide to quality car repair. The car repair technician of today will be certified to service all makes and models of domestic and foreign cars and trucks. The technician will perform such tasks as inspection and replacement of windshield wipers and fluids, tire inspection and balance, wheel alignment, and a thorough check of all fluids, filters, brakes, lights, and electronics. Vehicles equipped with computerized operating systems also require diagnostics as part of their service routine, which is best performed by a professional. Such maintenance, performed at regular intervals by a certified car repair technician, will keep your car running smoothly.
A car can last well past the 100,000 mile mark with regular and proper maintenance. Combining self performed minor car repair with professional service can assure this level of performance.