It is essential to perform regular service in order to keep your car in proper working condition. You can choose to work on it yourself or let professional auto mechanics handle it, but knowledge of what causes unnecessary harm and where to find cheap parts will ultimately save you time and money.
In this article, we will provide you with 9 tips from experts on keeping your vehicle in good order to avoid costly repairs and getting the right spare parts.
Article Summary
- 1. Perform Regular Maintenance
- 2. Choose Genuine or OEM Parts
- 3. Consider Used Auto Parts
- 4. Research Reliable Suppliers
- 5. Don’t Neglect Recalls & Safety Bulletins
- 6. Invest in Diagnostic Tools
- 7. Expand Your DIY Knowledge
- 8. Join Car Enthusiast Communities
- 9. Inspect Used Parts before Installation
- Conclusion
1. Perform Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance goes a long way. Instead of waiting for something bad to happen, continue to perform regular oil changes, brake checks, fluid levels, tyre rotations, and other maintenance items as outlined in the vehicle manufacturer’s service period.
This maintenance routine helps you notice any silly issues therefore giving you the chance to take action before the repair cost is extremely expensive. If you live in Auckland, you must have the contact of Toyota Wreckers in Auckland to reach out when the need arises.
2. Choose Genuine or OEM Parts
If you ever have to replace parts, you should always use genuine or original equipment manufacturer (oems) parts.
These parts were made for your make/model of car and, regardless of how much a good after-market part can cost, it is not actually going to fit as well as an original component can.
3. Consider Used Auto Parts
If you need something like an engine, transmission or large body panel – items that don’t need to fit precisely – then a good used part is an inexpensive option.
Used auto parts: a no-expense deal that doesn’t scrimp on quality For parts that need to fit well, websites for wreckers such as Toyota Wreckers provide a listing of parts and pictures so you can see what condition the part they have is in.
4. Research Reliable Suppliers
Make sure you choose your supplier well – if you buy auto parts from an established player on a market who procures parts only from high-reputation manufacturers and/or dismantlers (like approved Toyota wreckers) who have access to a wide variety of high-quality used parts, you stand to save even more money.
5. Don’t Neglect Recalls & Safety Bulletins
Keep your eye out for manufacturer recalls and safety bulletins on your car. These are issued for defects or safety issues with your particular car, and you must take the appropriate action to respond.
You could avoid expensive repairs or even a bad accident by promptly dealing with them.
6. Invest in Diagnostic Tools
With access to basic diagnostic tools, you can catch and fix minor failures before moving into deduction mode and making a repair that ends up being interpreted as major by your mechanic and thereby is expensive.
It might be as easy as connecting a portable code reader or OBD-II scanner to your engine, which can give you codes usually only read by mechanics. These codes reveal your engine’s performance and emissions, as well as other symptoms you’re having an issue with.
7. Expand Your DIY Knowledge
Short of being able to fix everything, it’s still worth increasing your familiarity with basic automotive repairs and maintenance.
The project can save you a lot of money, even the cost of an oil change, by providing another source of information through DIY YouTube tutorials, repair manuals and forums. In turn, this information can lead you to do the small repairs and self-maintenance of your car by yourself.
8. Join Car Enthusiast Communities
Car enthusiast communities, both online and off, provide excellent opportunities to receive advice, find a recommended supplier or mechanic, and discuss insider knowledge and experience that could save you from an expensive mistake by asking a fellow car owner.
9. Inspect Used Parts before Installation
All purchases of second-hand auto parts must be subjected to a visual inspection before installation, to ascertain if there are any cracks, rust, leaks, missing pieces that would prevent the part from functioning or fitting into the vehicle as needed.
If a used auto part doesn’t look quite right or if you are doubtful as to whether it would fit, consult with experts such as Toyota wreckers, who can assist you.
Conclusion
These nine tips from industry insiders, coupled with reputable sources like approved Toyota wreckers, will help you avoid pricey repairs and source quality auto parts for your car maintenance.
At times, it’s expensive, but perform regular maintenance, insist on genuine or OEM parts wherever possible, borrow and buy used auto parts from good sources such as Toyota wreckers.
Keep an eye out for recalls, invest in diagnostics if you can, learn more about your car, be part of DIY and car-enthusiast communities and, once you have a shop that delivers what you want, stay with them. These are mostly practices you can develop. Do so, and you will have a leaner, longer-lived, better-performing car.
