Reno Towing - Maintaining Your Car

Towing Reno NV - Road Safety Information

It is our top priority to make sure everyone in Reno is safe on the road. Below is an excerpt from Julie Sussman, et al (Dare To Repair Your Car) to add our your knowledge of safety tips on the road. Of paramount importance is taking care of your car. But we all know that emergencies do happen. As a reputable Nevada towing company, we are always ready to help that that happens! 

Pit Stop

Before we wave the flag for you to start learning basic car care, we need you to follow the rules listed below.

Rule #1: Read the car owner's manual.

No one should be allowed to drive her car without first having read her car owner's manual. It's really not as bad as you think. Okay, it won't be your book club's next selection, but all car owner's man mats are simple to read, with lots of illustrations. Think of it this way you spent $20,000 on your car, so spend 20 minutes reading about what you just bought. If you don't have the manual, you can purchase one from your local car dealership or online through the manufacturer's Web site.

Rule #2: You must properly maintain your car.

Yes, you.
You can't be running to the repair shop for things you should be doing. You need to check your tires for air, change your windshield wiper blades, and add oil. Running to the repair shop for every little thing will cost you time and money.

Rule #3: Budget for car maintenance and repairs.

The average annual cost of maintenance and repairs for a new car is $300; for an older car, it's $600. A car is typically the second biggest purchase anyone makes, and therefore you need to protect your investment for better resale value. But the most important reason to put money into your car is for your own safety.

Rule #4: Get over the cost of maintaining your car.

A monthly manicure/pedicure will set you back about $500 per year. Pizza delivered twice a month adds up to more than $300 per year. Neither one will protect your life ... car maintenance will.

Rule #5: Get over the fact that you may get dirty.

It's a fact that every time you touch anything under the hood, your hands will get dirty. In fact, your hands will get dirty even when you remove the valve cap on a tire. Either wear work gloves or purchase soap (at any auto parts store) specifically made for cleaning off dirt/grime from working on cars.

Rule #6: If there's a problem with the car, check if there has been a recall issued.

The best place to search for recall information is the Web site for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov.

Rule #7: Be aware that car parts do not come with instructions.

That's right. If you decide to try a car repair yourself and need to purchase a part, be aware that the part will not come with instructions. And unlike most manufacturers who supply a Web site or 800 number for customer service, the manufacturers of car parts do not. Therefore, you should either purchase a service manual for your car (typically more than $100) or ask a friendly mechanic/technician for instructions and write them down. You're more likely to get help from where you purchased the part.

Rule #8: We won't wave the white flag.
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This doesn't have to be the end of the road for you regarding doing car repairs and maintenance. If you've been inspired to do more, purchase the service manual for your car, sign up for a car repair class through your county, or check with your car dealership to see if it offers any free car care clinics. And share your newfound knowledge with others.
And you're off!"