5 Auto Repair Maintenance Tips For Every Driver | Grapevine, TX

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If you want to enjoy your car for a long time to come, you have to make sure you’re taking good care of it. Unfortunately, that means frequent trips to a Grapevine, TX, mechanic or dealership to make sure everything is in working order. Taking care of your car also means you have to spend money on maintenance and repairs. Fortunately, there are ways to cut back on auto repair costs and keep your car in great shape. If you’re looking for auto maintenance tips, here are five everybody should know.

1. BE PROACTIVE

Arguably the most important thing to remember about auto maintenance is the importance of being proactive. Maintenance only works if you’re keeping up with it regularly, otherwise you may still end up having to spend a fortune on repairs. Make sure you take a look at your owner’s manual so you know how often you should be having your car or truck maintained.

Working with a mechanic to set up a maintenance schedule is an easy way to make sure you’re keeping your vehicle in good shape. It’s easy to forget when it’s time for maintenance, plus everything needs to be done at different times. By working with a mechanic, you can make sure everything is being done on time so you’re not wasting money on maintenance or having to spend too much on future auto repairs.

2. PARTS MATTER

If you’re having some type of work done that requires new parts, you have to remember how important those parts are to the overall function of your vehicle. The truth of the matter is, there are a lot of shops that use lower quality parts just so they can save a little bit of money on auto repair.

You should always ask about the parts a shop uses when it comes to maintenance and repairs. While both OEM and aftermarket parts are fine, you don’t want a shop that’s skimping on parts just to make a little more profit. This is especially important when you’re getting crucial parts such as tires, spark plugs and oil filters. Before you make a mechanic your go-to for all auto maintenance, make sure you ask about the parts they use for various repairs and maintenance.

3. TUNE UPS

Most of the time, you simply need to bring your vehicle in to have a couple things looked at and fixed up. Every once in a while, however, it’s a good idea to give your car or truck a more thorough tune up. Just because you’ve been changing your oil regularly doesn’t mean you’re doing everything you can to ensure your ride is running smoothly.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had things like your spark plugs changed, now is a good time to do that. A tune up focuses on the parts of your vehicle that affect performance, with the specific goal of improving performance and ride quality. During this tune up, you should also have all your fluids checked as well as your engine air filter. A good auto repair shop can do this in a short time, so it’s not a huge commitment, either.

4. FIND A GOOD MECHANIC

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to auto maintenance is make sure you’re working with a good mechanic. Everybody has different levels of skill when it comes to mechanical work, and some people have simply been doing it for longer or have access to better tools. Before you go to an auto repair shop, do a little bit of research to see what others have to say about the quality of their work.

Finding a good mechanic isn’t just about looking for somebody who knows their stuff. As important as knowledge is in finding a good mechanic, you also need to find someone who’s trustworthy. The last thing you want is to take your car to an auto repair shop and end up with more problems or an unexpectedly massive bill.

If you drive an import car such as a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, it’s even more important to work with a mechanic who knows what they’re doing. A dealership may be a good choice if you’ve got a free maintenance plan that came with your vehicle.

5. THE LITTLE THINGS

When it comes to auto repair and maintenance, you also need to remember the little things. As important as it is to change your oil and keep an eye on crucial engine components, you also need to look out for smaller problems and get those fixed as soon as possible.

Cabin air filters are one thing people don’t think about enough. This air filter keeps the air that runs from your heater and air conditioner clean. Over time, the filter gets clogged and worse at removing contaminants, which means the air you breathe is dirtier.

Washing your car regularly is also important. While this may seem like a primarily cosmetic issue, it’s actually not; washing your car prevents dirt and dust from adhering to your car and damaging the clear coat and paint. As simple a task as it is, washing your car can save you a lot on auto repair costs down the line.

THE HELP YOU NEED

The fact of the matter is, it’s not easy keeping a car in good shape. This is especially true if you drive a luxury import car that many mechanics don’t know inside and out. Fortunately, there’s a way to get the help you need.

If you’re looking for the best auto repair services in Grapevine, TX, Import Car Center has you covered. Even better, we specialize in import cars such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar and more. If you need something on your car fixed or you want to create a maintenance schedule, give us a call at (817) 481-5665 today.