Periodic preventive maintenance will ensure that your car keeps on running long after others have quit. If you’ve spent $10,000 to $30,000 on an auto, which is the national average, then you’ll want to protect that investment with regular maintenance. Though stereotypes are often wrong, a new study finds that women lag behind when it comes to regular auto maintenance.
The study says that over half of all women will call their spouse or a male friend or family member if they are having car troubles. About 27% said they would call a roadside assistance program for help. Only 13% said they knew how to check their oil. About half the women surveyed said they had never changed a tire and did not know how to do so.
Oil Changes
The good news is that whether you’re a man or a woman, getting regular maintenance for your car is fairly inexpensive. The national average for oil changes is from $22 to $55. Normally, when this is done, the mechanic will also check all the other fluids such as transmission and power steering. In some shops, they will rotate your tires for just a few dollars more and this is a good idea. If you have your tires rotated every other time you have the oil changed, you should be good to go.
Related Post: Why Does Your Car Need Regular Oil Change?
Plugs and Plug Wires
Many drivers aren’t sure exactly when to change the plugs and plug wires. This depends on your driving habits, the age of the car, and where you live. If you live in an area that experiences extreme hot or cold temps, then your car will need more frequent maintenance. This is also true if you put lots of miles on the car each year. Tires wear out faster if you spend more time on freeways than if your driving is mostly on inner city roads. That’s because highway surfaces are hotter than regular streets and cars are going at much faster speeds.
Brakes and Pads
Brakes will also wear out faster depending on driving conditions and habits. If you’ve noticed a squeal, whine or rubbing sound when you hit the brakes, then it’s best to have this checked out immediately. Allowing the brake pads to wear down to the drums will cost more to repair.
