Going to the mechanic shop can be the most expensive car expense that can be made. Mechanics are known to be very fraudulent, and you can’t expect much from car mechanics in Nigeria because they are all cut from the same clothes so it is better to know the issues that can be preventable so you won’t go to the mechanic shop.
People love going the DIY route when it comes to fixing their cars and they work for most people so as a car owner isn’t it better to do some repairs on your car yourself instead of expecting to take your car to the mechanic all the time, there are some car issues which you can prevent yourself instead of just sitting idle.
We have written a number of car maintenance blogs that will help you reduce car expenses. If you are interested in the best issues that can be prevented instead of going to the mechanic, continue reading.
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- Clogged Air Filter
This might be the easiest one on the list to take care of, not only is an engine air filter inexpensive, but it’s also super quick to install yourself and prevents a whole mess of issues from affecting your car.
For every oil change, check out the condition of your air filter and replace it as needed (usually every few oil changes).
What might cost N2,000 at a time can improve your gas mileage (which by comparison is WAY more expensive over time to go to the mechanic) and keep your engine from succumbing to very costly problems later in your vehicle’s life.
- Engine/Transmission Fluid Leaks
While seemingly minor, fluid leaks can take a toll on your engine and transmission if not taken care of right away. Even if the leak is dripping at a drop a minute, it might only take a few days for you to notice some major issues.
And regardless of whether your vehicle is dripping dark red (transmission fluid), black (oil) or blue, orange or green (coolant), all of these can have major impacts and end up costing you thousands of dollars unless taken care of at first sight.
- Flat Tire or Tire Blowout
A little bit of upkeep with your tires can easily double their lifespan. Aside from picking up nails or bolts on the road, most flats and blowouts come from four things:
- Not rotating your tires enough (usually every other oil change)
- Not keeping up with balancing and vehicle alignment
- Ignoring the little air light on your vehicle
- Ignoring bulges or bubbles on your tires, as well as how bald your tires are
All of this might only cost you a little money at each vehicle check-up. But combine that with some general awareness of the health of your tires, and they can potentially last 20,000 to 30,000 miles longer.
- Windshield Issues
While wipers and washer fluid may not cause costly issues, you may regret not taking care of them when inclement weather strikes.
If you don’t replace your wipers regularly (every 6-10 months), you may find yourself unable to see in heavy rain. Moreover, if you don’t switch out your regular washer fluid with the cold-weather kind (if it’s cold enough where you live) you could end up with some colourful liquid, and an entire time without a clean windshield.
- Sludge Buildup
Sludge buildup usually comes from one thing: not changing your oil frequently enough. If oil is often regarded as the lifeblood of your vehicle, why would you ever leave it dirty? It won’t help its overall health and can create some serious engine problems.
It only takes about N3,000 every 5,000 miles or so to keep your engine oil clean. From this list, this is one of the most preventable issues and is the biggest no-brainer.
- Rust Problems
While exterior rust won’t cause major internal issues, it can be a real pain if you care about your vehicle’s appearance. Usually, this is very preventable.
If you live in a state that receives regular rainfall you know that by the end of the winter, your car looks incredibly dirty. But it’s not really dirt covering your car, it’s more likely sand. Well, if left untouched for too long it can also melt the paint right off your car
- Brake Rotor Issues
While brake pads might seem expensive to replace, they’re needed less often and are extremely important when it comes to brake problem prevention.
What you may not know is that replacing your brake pads not only keeps you safer, but it also keeps your brake rotors safe from damage. And if your rotors do see unnecessary damage, you might be looking at an extra N70,000 in repairs, all from not wanting to do the extra care yourself.
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