Auto Repair Cheat Sheet To Easy & Affordable Auto Services

Auto Repair Services

Are you unsure which maintenance and repair services your vehicle needs? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Still, it’s essential to make sure you’re getting the services that are best for you and your car.

At Lamb’s Tire and Automotive, we’re happy to help you get the automotive repair services that you need. Here’s our cheat sheet for auto repair. Whether this is the first time you’ve gone to an auto repair shop or you’ve been working with us in Austin, TX, for years, there’s something that can be helpful for everyone.

Know How You Drive

While figuring out your automotive maintenance schedule, one factor you might want to keep in mind is whether your vehicle may need “regular” or “severe” service. Though its name may sound dangerous, the latter category isn’t anything to fear. Instead, this service schedule is for drivers who regularly deal with stop-and-go traffic, rough roads, short commutes, extreme temperatures, and more.

If this description fits your driving habits, take a look at your vehicle’s user manual. It may include a schedule for severe maintenance straight from the manufacturer. Otherwise, read on for our recommended auto repair schedule.

When To Get Auto Repair

Vehicle owners need to know what services their car needs and when this work is needed. Here’s a rough outline of what this may look like for you:

The Auto Repair Basics

No matter how you feel about auto repair, some jobs are simpler and cheaper than others. For example, wiper replacement couldn’t be more straightforward. Just take a look at your blades every 6,000 miles and replace them after every other oil change.

A spark plug replacement is more complex than wiper replacement, but it’s still highly affordable. Use OEM-compatible plugs, and replace them once they’ve reached roughly 80 percent of their maximum interval to help your engine run smoothly.

Predictable, Affordable Expenses

Many other auto repair expenses rely on the number of miles you’ve driven. For example, be sure to switch out your vehicle’s air filter after every 10,000 miles. Oil changes often take place every 3,000 miles, but this is a rule of thumb. Depending on your car’s condition and the type of oil you use, you may need this auto service more or less often than usual.

There’s no way to know exactly when your car will get a flat tire, but you can invest in a spare tire in preparation. It’s also essential to replace your tires once the tread depth is under 4/32”or every ten years, for less frequent drivers.

Moderate Auto Repair Costs

Some essential vehicle components will need to be replaced by an auto mechanic regularly. Be sure to save up, so you’ll be able to afford these automotive repair service sand others such as:

  • Brake pads (after 30,00060,000 miles)
  • Alternator (after 7 years or between 100,000150,000 miles)
  • Wheel hub (after 85,000100,000 miles)
  • Starter (whenever you’re having serious trouble starting your car)
  • Radiator (after 8–10 years)

Big-Ticket Items

Sometimes, you just may have to invest in considerably pricier components for your vehicle. Luckily, you won’t have to replace these components very often.

Some significant auto service expenses include:

  • Battery replacement (after 2–5 years)
  • Shock replacement (when you have trouble turning over bumps and notice squeaking noises)
  • Fuel pump replacement (rarely, as these can last up to 200,000 miles)

However, these aren’t the highest costs you can expect over the life of your vehicle. Services like replacing your catalytic converter, A/C system, steering rack, clutch, transmission, or timing belt are even pricier and may arise without warning. Even if it may be tempting to put off these expenses for as long as possible, you’ll have to visit an auto repair shop, eventually. It can pay off in the long run to spend some money now to avoid having to pay for costly repairs later.

Every vehicle’s needs are different, so this schedule may not entirely fit your needs. If you think that might be the case, ask an expert auto mechanic at Lamb’s Tire and Automotive for their advice.

Choose Us For Austin Auto Repair

No matter what car problems you’re experiencing, plan your next appointment with Lamb’s Tire and Automotive today! We offer a wide range of Austin, TX, auto repair services, from minor fixes to major repairs. In addition, our coupons can help keep your costs to a minimum!

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