Frequency of your auto’s checkups is key to getting good results. For example, if you wait for an oil change till 12,000 miles, you may find that there is some damage to your engine. Now which do you think would cost more:

• 1- an oil change at 4,000 and 8,000 miles OR
• 2- an engine repair?????????

The above answer is quite obvious. But, you can imagine how many people find themselves requiring the second and very expensive thing – getting an engine repair. In life we all have lots of excuses. We are all too busy. We are all short of extra money. The dog is sick – etc.! Well, these excuses are real and truly apply to us all (unless you only have a cat!) We simply must ignore the excuse “crutch” and do what is important – get the vital regular maintenance on our autos OR we just may be looking a much more expensive repair.

A way to save money on auto checkups is to avoid them when your car is not due to have one. When that little red “check engine” light comes on. You can check some things yourself before running off to a repair shop. The manufacturer’s owners’s manual will help. This light may be telling you something as simple as having a loose gas cap of trunk light that is out. This could, however, be telling you something that is far more serious. Then you will go to the mechanic for diagnosis. It will be a necessary visit, not a wasted one. The most common issues being indicated deal with the emission control system. This system uses many, many sensors, valves, flaps, covers, and heated wires. Your mechanic will be a valuable piece to solving this puzzle. You will indeed be getting the most out of this visit.

A way of getting the most out of your auto checkup is to leave the mechanic’s shop with a fully tuned car. This can help take away the burden of unbelievably overwhelming gas prices. For example:

• The mechanic will have checked your tires for inflation.
• You will have clean and fresh oil that meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
• You will have a proper filter that can improve gas mileage.
• Getting the most out of each gallon of that expensive fuel is the main thing that allows you to get the most out of a mechanic’s checkup. When you leave, you start saving money!

Another way to consider that you are getting the most from a checkup is in the safety arena. When a mechanic looks over your car or truck, you are informed of any potential hazards. For example, your brakes or tires may be dangerously worn and you are not savvy enough to know this without the professional inspection. When informed, you can have them serviced on this visit or you can bring the auto back at a more convenient time. Whichever way you choose, your car will be safe for you to drive!

The number one, two, three, four, and five reasons that it’s important to keep your vehicle’s brakes checked is your family’s safety. We have all read of a terrible accident when someone’s breaks failed. Sure there are extreme examples of malfunctions which can cause this, but most of the time break failure has warning signs. An accident caused by total brake failure can be prevented. No one wants to think of the consequences of such. The solution is to have your brakes routinely inspected when you have regular maintenance performed on your car or truck.

There are times when hoses or brake have rotted away due to age and/or corrosion. They carry all sorts of fluid to make your car or truck run properly. When that fluid is brake fluid it is vital to the safety of all. A regular inspection from a qualified mechanic will prove helpful if they find a hose with a slit or bubble. Some mechanics will suggest you change hoses that are just plain “old.” Please note that some are soft rubber hoses and some are hard. Your mechanic is the best person to make this inspection unless you have a great deal of experience in this area. Your vehicle’s brake system is too important a part of your car too ignore. A little bit of prevention can go a long way in reducing danger of an auto crash. While no one can analyze a situation enough to prove there would have indeed been an actual accident, who wants to finds out?

Brakes are of course the one thing your car simply can’t be without. You absolutely must take good care of your car’s braking system. An inspections will tell you if brake pads need to be replaced. Your mechanic will also tell you that brakes should always be replaced in pairs since the wear should be equal on both sides of your car.

The same inspection may notice that your brake rotors are worn or not functioning properly. Inspecting your brake rotors (or brake discs as they are also called) may tell your mechanic that these are worn or pitted as well. The mechanic’s advise should be well taken. This is an important repair and one that should truly be completed as advised by the mechanic you trust.

The same inspection may also notice that there is not enough clean brake fluid to keep the system operating correctly. This is a simple and inexpensive fix. If you did not know this or if you ignore the mechanic’s advice, it could result in a very costly repair. While you can do this yourself, most people do not even though the brake fluid reservoir usually is clear and you can see through it. You can check the fluid level without opening the cap. There will be markings on it that indicate if you will need to add any brake fluid. If you don’t trust the advice of your mechanic then by all means get a second opinion and quote. Most of the time this is free at a repair shop.

An automobile inspection for emissions is designed to improve air quality by ensuring that cars or other vehicles do not exceed legal emission limits. Authorized Emission Specialists are a group of professional automotive repair technicians that have been specially trained in the diagnosis and repair of vehicles after those vehicles fail any part of the emission testing process. Emission Specialists should be familiar with the repair requirements of the Emission Check Program and are equipped to perform repairs on vehicles that fail an emission test. The Washington Department of Ecology is in charge of this program.

A complete auto inspection usually involves bumper to bumper inspection of all components of an auto. For example, an oil sample will be taken from the engine and transmission. It is then analyzed, comparing samples to manufacturer’s standards. This will help to determine if the engine or transmission components have been overheated, raced, filled with additives to disguise mechanical issues, or flooded.

Standard items to be checked will include electrical systems, computer systems, braking systems, steering systems, seat belts, door locks, head lights and tail lights, turn signals, and just about anything in the entire car. The purpose of this is to make sure the auto is safe for drivers and passengers alike. It also ensures safety of others traveling on the roadways.

Windshields are of great concern as well and thus require inspection. Small chips can turn into large cracks and impair visibility. Since this event occurs with little or no warning, danger looms.

Since auto collisions are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, auto inspections contribute to the safety of citizens by preventing accidents due to malfunctioning vehicles.

Since vehicle construction and equipment are important as safety features in today’s automobiles and trucks, then keeping them up to standard and in good working order can minimize the occurrence and thus the consequences of automobile accidents.

There are some special inspections required in Washington State. As per the Washington State Patrol website, if a vehicle has been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company, then Washington State Patrol performs and documents a physical inspection. Physical inspections are also required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases.

Routine car service involves many components.

The basic points of check include:

• Oil and filter change
• Spark plug inspection and possible change
• Fluid check and top off for all areas – windshield washer, transmission, brake, coolant and power steering – to name a few. These should be completely changed at the following intervals:
• Transmission – every 48 months or 48,000 miles
• Brake fluid – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Coolant flush and exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Power Steering fluid exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles

• Battery testing
• Dashboard indicator light inspection
• Brake pad and rotor testing
• Alignment inspection
• Tire inspection

Once again, your relationship with your mechanic comes into play here. Tell your mechanic if you see leakage in your driveway or if you are giving any fluids a frequent top off. This is a warning sign for greater problems. Tell your trusted mechanic if there are problems with starting the car or truck. Let the mechanic know about suspension problems.

If you have never used your spare tire, ask for it to be inspected. You certainly do not want to be stranded without this lifesaving component. It is wise to have your tires rotated at least every 5,000 miles. This makes for even wear and better life expectancy of the tires.

There is also a need for seasonal changes to automobiles. For example, winter may require a change to snow tires if you are constantly driving in rugged conditions. Batteries tend to act up in very cold weather. Yours should be inspected. If you have had some past problems with this, then tell your mechanic. If it is more than three years old, you may be recommended to replace it in advance of problems. Summer time requires a detailed check of the coolant system.

Your exhaust system and fans and belts should be inspected, but less frequently. Your mechanic will state preferences for time intervals, but these components are important and should not be overlooked.

A good mechanic will check all of the following additional components or parts as well:

• Breather filter
• Canister filter
• Carburetor and its fuel filter
• Injection fuel filter
• Wheel bearing repack seals
• C-V joints
• Fuel injectors
• Oxygen sensor
• Universal joints
• Vacuum modulator
• Timing belts

A good mechanic will provide a standard written testing list which will cover all of the above descriptions and more. Some people who are not professionals might say that there is not a need to check all of these items. A good mechanic will disagree. Your safety and the safety of all passengers is at hand. Take note and become involved in your own auto or truck inspection. Educate yourself. You will appreciate knowing the concepts of your car’s workings. It will make you a better informed owner and a much safer driver!