While the average vehicle is now owned for 10 to 12 years, we suggest you visit our automotive service shop every six months to lower your cost of ownership.
Performing maintenance will avoid costly repairs. Just like your routine visit to the dentist, proactive car care will ensure a long and happy life for your vehicle and more dollars in your pocket.
If you are a monthly reader of this publication, you have read time and again as we have stressed the importance of timely oil changes. Very expensive repairs or even engine replacements can be avoided by changing your oil every 3,000 miles. Oil changes will average $120 a year. Engine replacements can run up to $7,000.
Rotating tires and having your vehicle aligned will prolong tire life. Average cost is $100 per year. Replacement of tires is $400 to $1,200, depending on your vehicle.
Changing radiator hoses and engine coolant can avoid an overheated engine situation. Too many times, we have cars towed to our shop for overheating due to a failed rubber hose. The result is a blown head gasket or even engine replacement. Replacing hoses is $200 to $300. Head gasket replacement is a minimum of $2,000, and this amount can go much higher on some vehicles.
A frequently overlooked maintenance item is the engine’s timing belt. Just like the serpentine belt, which runs accessories, such as your alternator and air conditioning, the timing belt is made of rubber. Most manufacturers suggest to replace it between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. When the belt breaks, the valves in the engine can become damaged. Once again, an expensive repair needs to be performed.
Timing belt replacements average $500 on most vehicles. However, on almost all vehicles, we suggest to replace other components located in the timing belt area, including water pumps, tensioners and oil seals. This will make the initial investment greater, but save you from paying labor again if one of these parts fails at a later date. If a timing belt fails, the minimum repair bill is again about $2,000.
Believe it or not, proper maintenance also can help avoid an accident. Worn brakes and suspension increase stopping distance and greatly affect the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Many accidents can be avoided with proper car care.
At H and I Automotive, we will help you plan for proper care and maintenance on your vehicle. Together, we will set a schedule to perform these services to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, while also keeping them budget friendly.
H and I Automotive is located at 5338 E. Main St. Please call us at (480) 985-9279, or visit our website at www.handiautomotive.com.