How to save $$ & make your car last forever
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How to save money on automotive repairs.
As the cost of everything today seems out of control how can you save money with your car? It can be summed up with 3 words
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance!
Preventive maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to control your automotive expenses. Lets see how.
” Grease is cheaper than steel” It is cheaper to perform routine maintenance when needed than to replace additional components damaged by a failed part or lack of service. An example might be failing to replace your timing belt when it is due and suffering the expense of having to rebuild or replace the engine. (see Car Care 101) Not to mention the inconvenience or the expensive ride on the tow truck.
Avoid patch up repairs. Occasionally a temporary repair may be required because of circumstances, parts availability etc. but avoid this when every possible. This option may appear good in the short term but usually is a loser for both the customer and the repair shop in the long run. When performing a patch type repair the repair shop is in essence bandaging the vehicle together in the hopes that it will last. By lowering the repair standards of the repair process the shop can not & should not warranty the repair. Several months later the patch job may fail with no warranty. The customer now gets to pay for another patch job or pay to fix the job correctly again. The repair shop loses because even with the customer being told the repair was temporary and wouldn’t last and that there is no warranty the customer still thinks they were taken advantage of. Don’t get caught in this trap. Fix it right the first time! Only allow quality repairs to be performed on your vehicle.
The ear of corn theory: Replace related components at the same time. The theory goes like this. If you take two ears of corn and place them in a pot of boiling hot water and cook them the same amount of time. When you take the first ear out and its done, guess what. The second ear is done also. This applies to other things including automotive repairs. If a component fails and has a sister component ( same part on other side of vehicle ) it is wise to replace both components at the same time. You’ll save time and money You also won’t be inconvenienced when the other side needs the same repair.
Repair related systems at the same time (package pricing). It is sometimes more cost effective to maintain or repair related systems at the same times. An example of related systems might be replacing your radiator hoses while replacing a leaking water pump. There is little consolation in knowing your water pump was fixed correctly after a radiator hose fails leaving you stranded. At times, package pricing can save you money in the long run!
Your vehicle needs a fair amount of work, should you fix your vehicle or just buy a new one? This question has puzzled car owners since the early 1920′s. The answer depends on several items but consider this. On one side you have the bright shiny new vehicle with all the latest features and a factory warranty. The only problem is that with the new paint also comes other things
On the other side you have your proven vehicle that may serve you well for many years to come. The benefits from this vehicle are:
Have the vehicle inspected by your automotive professional. If the vehicle is sound this may be a wise investment.
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Contact Information
Kenny Knox Tire Center
520 Fob James Drive
Valley, AL 36854
Phone: 334-756-8473
Email: kennyknoxtire@knology.net
Feel free to call or email us to schedule your next appointment.
Business Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30AM - 5:30PM EST
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
