5 car-repair mistakes

How's the old heap running these days? I say "old" because we're keeping our wheels longer. The average age of U.S. vehicles reached an all-time high in 2011, according to the Polk auto data service: 11.1 years for cars and 10.4 for light trucks and SUVs.

Every year without a car payment is a good year. The best way to extend that obligation-free period is to be assiduous about maintenance. "Jalopy love: 5 dumb car-repair mistakes to avoid," on the Insurance.com blog, reminds us why being penny-wise is definitely pound-foolish.

For example, you should never ignore the "low fuel" dashboard light -- and not just because you might run out of gas. 

"Driving a fuel-injected engine frequently on a very low tank is hard on the fuel pump," writes author Barbara Marquand.

It's tempting to hold out for the cheapest gas you can find. To spare your fuel pump, don't let the needle go below one-quarter of a tank. MSN Autos has an online tool to help you find the best gas price in your area. Or use a smartphone app.

Two other ways to save: Buy gas cards on the secondary gift card market, and earn free gas cards from rewards programs.

Don't repair -- prevent
Don't put off scheduled maintenance even though your car sounds and runs fine. Prevention is cheaper than repair. A friend in Anchorage, Alaska, drives a 17-year-old Acura Integra. She's followed the manual's maintenance schedule so faithfully that it may be rust, rather than repair issues, that finally kills the car.

Little things matter, too, such as regularly checking the oil. (How often should it and other fluids be changed? See "9 car-care myths you should ignore.") To bring down the cost of changes, watch for ads or Val-Pak coupons for local auto shops or lube-and-oil franchises. 

Be prepared for the inevitable up-sell at the franchises. For example, you can probably change your own wiper blades. (More on that in a second.)

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Squishy wheels wear out faster and reduce gas mileage, so get a pressure gauge and check them regularly.

Which brings us to another mistake: not doing certain repairs yourself. "Not everybody's a mechanical genius, but anyone can learn to replace wiper blades, light bulbs, and even fuses and air filters," Marquand writes.

Check the manual or do an Internet search for help. Freelance writer Becky Blanton has used both sources to keep vehicle ownership costs down, including replacing her van's brakes and painting the vehicle. The result "looks like a (professional) paint job," Blanton says.

A friend of mine visited a junkyard to look for tire rims and a Subaru door. He lucked out with the rims: The junkyard already had a set removed. Getting the door off, though, was hard. Junkyard jaunts aren't for everyone, so know your limits.

The same friend got another four rims through Craigslist for $25 apiece, then bought snow tires at a discount tire dealer. Now he changes out his family's wheels each winter.

Other ways to save: Watch the ads for loss-leader deals on fluids and small parts. Earn Amazon.com gift cards through Swagbucks to pay for wipers, headlight lamps, tire gauges and the like.

You better shop around
The other two mistakes Marquand cites: not seeking the best repair shop prices, and not communicating well with mechanics. For help with the first issue, see "19 tips for finding a great mechanic."

That article, however, warns against shopping by cost alone. Instead, find two or three highly recommended mechanics and then compare prices among the three.

Give your mechanic as much information as you can about the problem that brought you in. Marquand's article suggests writing down what you "hear, feel, see and smell," which can hasten the diagnosis.

Marquand also links to a free online car diagnosis tool, to help you with questions your mechanic may ask. Be prepared, even if it means sniffing around your car's hood.

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http://money.msn.com/frugal-living/post.aspx?post=82b68732-5b43-4f15-b565-194b049b07c9 

Used Car Buying Mistakes That Cost You Money

When you’re shopping for a used car, one mistake can cost you. Buying a vehicle that needs expensive repairs and not negotiating can mean the difference between saving money and spending more than you’d like. After reaching record highs, used car prices are starting to fall, so if you must buy now, avoid these common used car buying mistakes that translate into dollars.

Not knowing a vehicle’s history

When you buy a used car, you don’t know how well it was maintained. CarFax and AutoCheck provide vehicle history reports which tell you if the car was in an accident, if it’s been rebuilt, who owned it and lists its service, inspection and registration history.  

After you get the vehicle’s records, have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. For about $75 to $150, the mechanic will be able to tell you if the car has any major mechanical problems or will need expensive repairs. If a private seller won’t let you have the car inspected, this is usually a red flag that something is wrong.

David Hays, a 25-year automotive industry veteran and former owner of Wrenchmasters in Rockville, Md., says that even if you aren’t a mechanic, you can inspect the car yourself, and there are specific things you should look for.

“On the exterior, look for oil or other fluid leaks under the car, odd wear or worn-out tires and new or different paint,” Hays says. “A car that has been painted indicates crash damage and is a red flag. Crash damage can be extensive or minor but always affects the value negatively. Look for ‘orange peel’ paint on body panels, paint fading at different rates on different parts of the car, irregular gaps in between body panels and overspray on weather seals.”

Pop the hood and look for cracks on the back of drive belts, excessive black crud under the oil fill cap, which indicates a lack of oil changes, and stickers under the hood, Hays says. If there aren’t any stickers, the hood panel may have been replaced, a red flag that the vehicle was in an accident.

“During the test drive, listen to the exhaust,” Hays says. “Does it sound normal and not overly loud? Make sure the blower (fan) works, and the power windows and locks are functional. Check to see if engine lights or other dash lights are on. On a level road, does the car track straight if you were to remove your hands from the steering wheel? Does the car drive to one side or does the brake pedal pulsate when braking?”

Not negotiating the price

“A consumer’s best weapon in the dealership is their feet,” says Jack Nerad, executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Book. “They can walk out at any time and they’ll probably find as good as or better deal the next day or week.”

It’s easy to get excited about buying a car, but it’s best to take some time and think about the purchase.

“There are tons of used cars out there for sale,” Nerad says. “Finding a good used car is not like finding a diamond at the bottom of a mud puddle.”

Since used car values are up almost 20 percent since January, according to KBB.com, Nerad suggests comparing used and new vehicle prices. You may be able to get a new vehicle at a comparable price and eliminate the worries associated with vehicle condition.

“This is one of the few times where a new vehicle is almost as good a buy as a late-model used vehicle,” he explains. “Buy as new a car as you can comfortably afford because a newer car has better resale value.”

Not negotiating the price of your trade-in

Because used car prices are at their highest levels in years, you can easily command more money for your trade-in, especially if it is fuel-efficient. The National Automobile Dealers Association said in May that trade-in values of small cars would increase more than 30 percent in June. First, look up the value of your trade online. Then shop your used car around to local dealerships to see what they’ll offer you. Also look online to see what similar cars are selling for in your area for a better idea of your trade-in’s market value.

Not negotiating the financing

Nerad says that when many shoppers finance a used car, they don’t shop around. He suggests going to your credit union or bank to get a pre-approved rate before applying through the dealership.

Shoppers should realize they can make counter offers on the interest rate the dealer offers them, he explains.

As you cross-shop financing, don’t focus on monthly payments, which is a common mistake shoppers make, Nerad says. “Dealers can lower the monthly payment by a considerable margin by lengthening the loan term,” he explains. The longer the term, the more interest you’ll pay, so run the numbers and research all your financing options.

Not researching add-ons and extended warranties

Many dealers will offer you add-ons, like paint and upholstery protection, VIN etching and an extended warranty.

Nerad says that add-ons are negotiable and with a little online research, shoppers can get an approximate price range of what these features would cost if they purchased them aftermarket.

Deciding whether or not to purchase an extended warranty depends on your “tolerance for risk,” Nerad explains. The extended warranty is really more like an insurance policy that will protect you from “catastrophic problems, like the engine falling apart or the transmission breaking down,” he says. Small repairs are generally not covered.

“Ask to look at the warranty coverage,” Nerad says. As long as you understand what is covered, purchasing an extended warranty might make sense. “If you have tolerance for risk and you feel comfortable about the car you bought, then you probably don’t need the extended warranty,” he adds.

Read more :-

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/used-car-buying-mistakes-that-cost-you-money.html

Top 10 most expensive mistakes in car repair

1. Neglecting to change oil and filters and other simple maintenance

Ignoring simple preventative maintenance, like changing oil and filters or failing to make minor car repairs today, could mean thousands of dollars in auto repair bills tomorrow. There are some simple, but important, repairs and maintenance tasks car owners can do on their own – or have a mechanic perform at an affordable price – before these minor fixes become major repairs. For instance, neglecting to change the oil and filter periodically will increase contaminants and shorten the engine life. In the worst case scenario, it could mean an engine replacement. The do-it-yourself cost for an oil and filter change is approximately $25 on a 2005 Toyota Camry, and at the shop, costs approximately $65. An engine replacement on that same car would cost more than $4,000!    

2. Not asking for your parts back

If you have a mechanic replace something on your car, make sure to ask for your old part back. Additionally, ask that the old part be placed in the box for the new part. This confirms the old part was removed and the new part installed. Unfortunately, there are some unethical mechanics who may try to charge you for work not done correctly, and it could end up costing you double if you have to pay for the repair all over again. Asking for your parts back will help ensure that the mechanic is being held accountable for doing the repair, and will also give you that added peace of mind and confirmation that the part replacement and work were done to your car.

3. Failing to communicate with your mechanic

The better you're able to communicate your car's symptoms, the easier it is for the mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. Write down what you hear, feel, see, and smell before you arrive and keep a log of exactly when the symptoms occur (for instance, when you're braking or when you're driving over a certain speed), and share this with your mechanic. Also, note the location and frequency of the symptoms, and if any repairs were done on the vehicle recently. Sometimes a problem is related to the last repair. Go online to a website, such as AutoMd.com, which can help you diagnose your car’s problem and see a list of questions your mechanic might ask.

4. Driving on bald or under inflated tires

Some car owners may be driving on tires that have not been properly maintained, perhaps because they have not thought to check their tires or perhaps because they don’t have the time or money to get them checked. Being aware of your tires can save you a significant amount of money. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your tires, meaning fewer tire replacements. Plus, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. By contrast, driving on bald tires can lead to blowouts, expensive damage to other components of your car, or an accident.    

5. Telling your mechanic what to replace

Assuming you know what’s wrong with your vehicle could lead to needless repair and more money out of your pocket. For example, you may be convinced that your car needs new spark plugs or an engine tuneup, when you really need the MAF (mass air flow) sensor cleaned. If you tell your mechanic to replace the spark plugs instead of asking him to diagnose the problem, he will do it and charge you for it, leaving you with the same unresolved issue. 

6. Taking your car into the shop for simple repairs you can do yourself

Even those who have never attempted an auto repair can perform certain repairs with very little guidance. Some of the easiest car repairs you can (and should) do yourself include replacing your wiper blades, replacing a light bulb, even replacing a fuse and an air filter. There are plenty of online resources and how-to guidesthat can guide you on exactly what to do. Sometimes, you can walk into an auto parts store, purchase a part, and a staff member might be able to walk you through the job in the parking lot, if it’s easy enough. These jobs just may provide a stepping stone and the courage you need to attempt even more of your own car repairs, which can lead to more savings.  

 

7. Ignoring symptoms

Never ignore a persistent symptom with your car. Paying attention to your car’s symptoms could not only help you identify a major problem and avoid potentially serious safety issues, but it can also help you save a lot of money. Sometimes, the cause of a symptom is a problem with a simple fix, but if ignored, could result in a more complex issue. For instance, if your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, the tire pressure may be low in one of the front tires. The simple fix could be removing a nail and patching the tire. Ignoring this symptom could lead to a flat tire and an accident. Also, never ignore your check engine light, thinking the car is running fine. Your fuel efficiency could be reduced by as much as 40 percent because of a faulty oxygen sensor.

8. Driving on fumes

Gone are the days when cars had mechanical fuel pumps and carburetors – unless you drive a car made in the 1970s or '80s. When cars had carburetors, you could drive them until all the gas was gone, refuel, and drive again with no problem. However, most fuel-injected engines rely on in-tank electric pumps that use the gas to cool and lubricate their components. Driving your fuel-injected engine frequently on fumes could cause the pump to fail, leading to a very costly repair.

9. Going to a dealership when an independent mechanic will do

It’s hard to know when you should take your car to the dealership for service, and when you can opt to visit a local independent mechanic. If you don’t think there is a difference in cost, consider this: On average, car owners save an estimated $300-plus a year  by opting for an independent repair shop versus the car dealership. In some cases, the dealership service center can make more sense for recalls, warranty work, or very complex repair issues. For many jobs, however, finding the right independent repair shop and utilizing it can save you hundreds of dollars. Don't worry that you might lose your warranty. That's a myth. 

10. Not comparing shops and price quotes

When it comes to a major auto repair, get a second opinion … and a third and fourth. If you are quoted a price that seems high, shop around. Comparing shops and prices can also help you avoid being charged for unnecessary repairs. Before authorizing work, go online to research various repair shops to read reviews, get ratings, etc., and call to get several quotes over the phone. In a nationwide analysis of repair shops by AutoMD.com, mystery shoppers uncovered dramatically different price quotes for the same repair job on the same vehicle. Furthermore, the mystery shoppers were able to shave on average nearly 14 percent from the quoted estimate given by the majority of the shops by countering with online information, such as specific "fair" job estimates based on labor rates and labor hours required, as well as true parts cost. 

Read more :-

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0521/Top-10-most-expensive-mistakes-in-car-repair/Neglecting-to-change-oil-and-filters-and-other-simple-maintenance

Top 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes

Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.

Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change.

Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.

Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls.

Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking, underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year?

Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Wiper Tales
Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes.

Tune-Up Anachronism
There are no more "tune-ups." Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.

Octane Overdose
"If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Tired Tires
Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.

Dirty Air Filter
Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don't like to run with a potato in your mouth. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.

Ignoring Your Brakes
Note to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now.

Tighten Your Gas Cap
Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system's venting arrangement.

The Garage Is for Parking
Let's review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you're paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, broken skateboards and plastic holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and get the car in the garage!

 Read more : http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=463862&page=2 

10 Common Car-Buying Mistakes

Walking onto a car lot can feel like a train wreck in slow motion: At every turn you get a little more derailed, until finally you're off the tracks entirely and the dealership has what it wants: your entire bank account.

Part of the problem is the sheer number of variables involved in negotiating the sale: the price, the options, the financing, the monthly payment, maybe a trade-in. You should methodically research and consider every conceivable scenario before setting foot on a dealer's lot. Otherwise, dealers will do everything they can to tilt the transaction in their favor.

"They're looking at making money off you in stages," says Jeff Bartlett, deputy online editor for autos at Consumer Reports, "so it's important for customers to keep the stages separate and not lose track of what's going on."

To help you do that, we talked with several experts about the most common mistakes that car buyers make and what you can do to avoid them.

The goal is not to pull one over on dealers — they're hard-working folks trying to earn a living, too. It's about arming yourself with as much information as possible to make the best decision on what is for many people the second-largest purchase of their lives.

Buying Unnecessary Add-Ons

Some dealers might try to sell features they add on themselves, such as rust-proofing, VIN etching or fabric protector. Avoid them; they're unnecessary, Bartlett says. If the vehicle you want already has them, negotiate their cost down as much as possible. Research features you do want online and print out the information before heading to the dealer. Bartlett recommends pricing several different variations in case the dealer doesn't have the exact model you want. This can help avoid being up-sold to pricier models or to ones with features you don't need or want.

Not Enough Cross-Shopping

Many car shoppers focus on a few popular brands or models, to their detriment. "On average, people only shop about three vehicles," says Steve Witten, executive director of U.S. automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "If someone's shopping a midsize car, there are probably at least 10 different vehicles that would meet their exact specifications and needs," he says. In terms of safety, reliability and features, there are very few lemons for sale anymore. So don't get stuck on one brand and put blinders on about others because of old perceptions. Cast a wide net when comparing models online. Otherwise, you might miss a good value or overlook your ideal car.

Settling for What Is on the Lot

American car buyers are impatient. Only 5 percent special-order a vehicle through a dealer and wait for it to be delivered, according to J.D. Power. The other 95 percent either find exactly what they want on the lot, or settle for something that's not quite what they wanted. There's no reason to do that when making such a large purchase. If you're set on a specific model or feature that you don't see in stock, dealers can search nationwide inventories and have vehicles shipped from several states away, Witten says. They can also custom-order exactly what you want from the factory.

Skipping the Test Drive

Consumer Reports' Bartlett hears family and friends complain about uncomfortable seats, poor visibility or a stiff suspension in vehicles they have just bought. It's because they did not perform a thorough test drive — if they did one at all. He recommends spending 30 minutes driving the car, entering and exiting the highway, taking it on roads like those you drive every day. Be sure to take competing models for a spin, too. "It will reaffirm that you made the best decision ever, or you might find that you like one of the other ones better," Bartlett says.

Focusing on the Monthly Payment

One of the first questions salespeople ask is, "So, how much were you looking to spend per month?" It's to your benefit not to focus on that number, because doing so can make the final price of the car a moving target. Adding "only $50 a month" to get leather and more power might sound tempting, but it will add thousands to the bottom line. Part of this goes back to knowing what you truly need or want. The other part involves negotiating the total price of the vehicle, not the monthly payment. Breaking up the buying process can help: Part one is choosing the car; part two is settling on a price; part three is financing. Be clear with the salesperson what you want to focus on for each step so you don't get sidetracked.

Buying More Car Than You Need

s soon as gas prices dropped from their spike in 2008, Americans went back to buying large vehicles. Hey — it's their prerogative. But those looking for ways to save in these lean times might do so on their next car purchase by being honest about what they really need. "If you end up buying a V8-powered pickup truck when all you need is a 4-cylinder commuter car, well, you are your own worst enemy in that case," says James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Saying Up Front That You Want to Pay Cash

Telling a salesperson right off the bat that you intend to pay in cash might seem like a power play, but it is usually not. Doing so tips them off that they will not be making any money on you in the loan department, and this could make them less willing to negotiate the price of the car as they seek to maximize their profit. There is nothing wrong with that; dealers need to turn a profit to stay in business. Witten says that to get the best deal, first negotiate the final price of the car, and then tell them you will pay in cash.

Being Clueless About Financing

Consumers haggle hard for several hundred dollars on the price of a car, but can lose thousands in the financing office without even knowing it. That's because the loans that dealers offer through partnerships with banks might not have the most competitive interest rates. "Dealers get paid back from those finance institutions for every loan they make," Witten says. "They're not really out to rip people off, but they definitely have their best interests in mind." Learn your credit score and find out from several banks or credit unions what kind of rates you can get on a car loan before you go to the dealer. Then you'll know if the financing terms that the dealer offers are worth taking, or whether to fall back on another loan.

Negotiating Down from the Sticker Price

"The price on the window sticker is all you have to work with if you didn't do your homework," says Consumer Reports' Bartlett. That puts you at a huge disadvantage. Before you set foot in a dealership, go online and research the prices of vehicles you're considering. Not just the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), but the invoice price, which is what the dealer pays for each car. Also look up consumer rebates, direct-to-dealer incentives and dealer holdbacks, which are a percentage of the invoice price that dealers sometimes get back from the manufacturer. "When you have all of those numbers, it gives you a figure to move up from, rather than down from the MSRP," Bartlett says. The goal is to aim for the best price possible while still allowing a fair profit for the dealer.

Fumbling on the Trade-In

n the same vein, it behooves buyers to negotiate the value of a trade-in as a separate step in the car-buying process, independent of negotiating the price of the car being bought. If discussion of a trade-in gets thrown into the mix from the get-go, the dealer can use that information to adjust the final price more to his liking than yours. The first step is to understand the value of your trade-in before you go to the dealership by looking it up on websites such as MSN Autos or KBB.com. Once at the dealer, negotiate the trade-in only after you have settled on the price of the new car. If a dealer asks upfront about a trade-in, focus his attention back on the process at hand, whether that is selecting the car or negotiating its price.

Read more : http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1171403&page=2

Only Obeying orders

A series of German drivers have had serious road accidents because they refused to ignore their satellite navigation systems.

Among them was a 53-year –old man who followed the command “ turn right now” 30 meters before a junction . He drove his jeep on to a building site, up a stairway and crashed next to a small toilet block , causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

An 80 –year-old man also ploughed into a pile of sand on a hamburg motorway after trusting his sat-nav rather than a “ closed for construction” sign.