Useful Tips To Keep Your Vehicle In Top Shape
By Teddy Nwanunobi
Have you ever had an important appointment, got dressed and ready to leave, only to get into your car, turned on the ignition, and the car refuses to come to life, and you did not have enough money to pay for the services of a mechanic – yet, you must be at the venue of the event? Or worse still, have you ever been on a journey, and your car decides to be mischievous in the middle of nowhere? To make matters worse, you do not have extra for a mechanic.
When such a situation occurs, it is often very common to hear most car users in Nigeria scream: “Oh, my God! This car has started again with its wahala! If the mechanic comes, he will say that it’s a new fault, whereas it’s not. I’m just tired of this car!”
It suggests that you are familiar with the problem(s) of your car. Nigeria is a country that depends so much on imported vehicles. This is to meet its local demand, due to insufficient domestic vehicle production. As at last September, Nigeria’s vehicle size was 1.7 million.
With this number of vehicles in the country, the mechanics’ shops’ entry and exit points will be busy, as the vehicles are diagnosed with one problem or the other. As a result, a lot of cash exchanges hands.
Whether you are rich or poor, you do not need to part with money, each time your car develops a problem. More often than not, it could even be a minor fault/issue.
Sometimes, you have to do without the mechanic, and save yourself some change for lunch or even kuli-kuli. Interestingly, you do not have to know a lot about vehicles to save money on repairs and maintenance. However, a little knowledge about how the auto industry works can save you some naira, which, unknown to you, could translate into hundreds of it! Below are some tips for sustainable vehicle maintenance:
Read the owner’s manual
If you read nothing else, familiarise yourself with the scheduled maintenance guide. This tells you when maintenance is suggested by the manufacturer. If you pay attention, and read a little, you will learn how and when to best spend your limited maintenance naira.
Find a reputable mechanic shop
Ask family, friends, and colleagues if they have a good mechanic they know and trust. One thing is knowing a good mechanic. Another thing is trusting one. Look for local mechanic shops that specialise in your make of vehicle.
Also, check the work area for a relatively clean floor. A shop that has dirty shop rags, empty fluid containers, and other trash on the floors has sloppy mechanics. You do not want them working on your car.
Do preventive maintenance
A good way to test a shop you believe to be reputable is to go in when you are ready for an oil change and oil filter. That is one of the most worthwhile preventive maintenance steps you can take. It also provides an opportunity to ask more questions prompted by your manual reading.
If he gives you an estimate for a laundry list of added maintenance services, make certain that he can show you that it is a list for your specific vehicle, and that it agrees with the mileage currently on your vehicle.
If you cannot afford it that day, ask which are the most important, and reduce the list down to the ‘size of your wallet’. Then put together a budget and goal for the others. Also, ask a knowledgeable friend what he/she thinks about the estimate before going back again.
Know the usual charges for car repairs in your area
Some helpful websites provide estimates for common repair jobs on your make of car where you live. They even provide a range of fair price estimates in your zip code. Somewhere between the lowest price and about half the way to the upper price is probably more accurate for a fair price.
Avoid duplicate labour charges
Sometimes, a mechanic has to remove lots of parts to get at the part that is causing the current problem. This presents an opportunity to save on future repairs by doing them now.
For instance, an estimate to repair a squealing drive belt may suggest changing the upper and lower radiator hoses and a water pump and thermostat, because the mechanic has to remove some of those to get at the drive belt.
Heed warning signs
After startup, if the Check Engine light comes on, get it checked within a few days. It may be something simple, but it could be something very serious. Do not wait. If the Check Engine light flashes on and off, have the car towed to your chosen mechanic. Otherwise, it could cause severe engine damage, and even result in engine replacement. Do not ignore the light flashing.
Sometimes, handle the challenge yourself
You can do some jobs yourself. Changing wiper blades is easy when you know how. So is changing your air filter. Ask a parts dealer at your local auto parts store to help you choose the correct wiper blade or air filter for your vehicle. Then ask to get help installing the part(s). You save money if they show you how. They ensure you will come back to them for parts.
Buy discount parts online
Some websites sell parts at very competitive prices. Check to see if they charge for delivery. Also, check for what their returns policy is prior to ordering. Very important. Then check these prices against some foreign dealers. If the website saves you significant money for equal quality parts, try it out!
Find a ding repair specialist
Your vehicle will get dings, dents, and chips in the paint finish. Some mechanics will want to sand down all the components dented or chipped, and repaint and re-clear or re-coat the whole thing. This is very expensive.
Check around at used car lots to see if you can find out who repairs the dings and dents on the used cars that come in for resale. Repairing dents and dings will maintain the value of your car, and can help to prevent rust.
Use warranties to your advantage
Did you know that most of your car parts have a limited or lifetime warranty (for brand new vehicles)? This information should be communicated to you at the time of purchase, and should be printed on your receipt. The information is also captured into the system of your auto store. Starting a file for this information is one of the easiest ways to save money on car repairs.
Whenever you have an option for a lifetime or one-time purchase offer, spend the extra cash on the warranty. It will save you one day. Even if you do not believe that your car is going to be around for that long, it does not harm to have the warranty.
Look for used parts
Used parts, unknown to many car owners, can save you hundreds of naira on repairs o! And you will be surprised at the quality and reliability of such parts. There are good spots to check for them. Ask your mechanic or some friends to start your search.
Dodge the dealership
If your car is not under warranty, the last place you should take it to for repair is a dealership repair centre. You will end up paying more money, and dealing with inconvenient appointment times and waiting times.
Instead, find a local, independently-owned service centre by asking for recommendations from friends and colleagues. You will find competitive pricing, discounts on routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, and convenient appointment windows.
Take the time to research
Car repairs are stressful, but when faced with a major repair, it pays to get a second opinion. Many mechanics may include unnecessary charges or suggested repairs, when providing you with an initial estimate. When possible, go to a site, and do your own diagnostics, or get a second quote from another mechanic.
Build a relationship with a mechanic you can trust
It is very likely that you already have a mechanic you know and trust. However, spoiler alert – many of them out there do not have your best interests at heart. Some might even be charging you for services you do not even need!
That said, some mechanics are honest and decent. The problem is finding a good one, and building a professional relationship with him/her. Referrals from family and friends could make it easy for you.
Be smart and reduce core charges
Did you know that most car parts can be rebuilt? These parts are referred to as ‘core’. Starters and batteries, for example, fall into this category. Every time you replace one of these parts, the old ones have to be returned to the store, and you have to pay a ‘core charge’. But you can return the parts, and avoid paying the charge.
Ride for savings
Car repairs, of all expenses, can be among the most annoying. They can even be embarrassing, especially if it was something you could have prevented. The truth is that sudden car problems and the accompanying costs are more than annoying – they can be devastating to your budget. You, just like many others, cannot go for long without reliable transportation, which means you are often on the hook for expensive repairs, no matter the costs.
Your car is likely one of the biggest hits on your monthly budget. But the right strategies and know-how can help you put some naira back in your wallet when the repair needs arise. The good news now is that you can save money on car repairs with a little savvy and old-fashioned elbow grease.
