We’ve covered elsewhere the possibility that you may have an unexpected but necessary auto expenditure. In other words, your car breaks down at the least opportune time (and really, when is there an opportune time for your car to break down?), and you find yourself in the position of having to pay to fix it, but you don’t have the extra money. That’s when you come see CASH 1 for hassle free payday loans, car repair loans or online title loans with no traditional credit check. But there are other potential auto expenditures that can pop up (also at the most inopportune time) that don’t necessarily constitute an emergency; at least not immediately.

Tires

Your tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road while you are driving. They are the final determining factor in whether or not your vehicle will turn effectively or safely. You want to save money on tires, but when the tread wears, that effectiveness is reduced. Bald tires are far more likely to give way and send your vehicle into a skid when cornering than tires with sufficient tread, even in dry weather. Many people make the mistake of thinking the tread on their tires is just for weather-related issues; rainy or snowy roads. But gravelly conditions on a perfectly dry road calls for good tread in order to avoid losing control of the vehicle. Some mechanics will advise you to replace the tires when the treads have worn down to 2/32 of an inch. But studies have shown that a car with that tread depth takes more than a hundred more feet to come to a stop than a car with tread twice that deep, even when the brakes are in perfect working order! It’s a good idea to replace your tires when they reach 5/32 of an inch to maintain effective safety and mobility.

Brakes

Have your brakes checked twice a year. Most brake shops will do this for free. Your brakes are just as important as your tires in terms of maintenance when it comes to handling and stopping capability. Worn brakes can take up to three times the distance necessary to stop a vehicle. Don’t just trust your mechanic to tell you when you need your brakes redone. If your car wobbles whenever you apply the brake, or there are squealing noises, or the pedal feels ‘soft’, you need to have your brakes inspected immediately and have repairs done if necessary.

Transmission

This is not so much a safety factor as it is a convenience factor. Ignoring issues with your transmission will very likely lead to far more costly repairs and potentially dangerous situations down the road, particularly if your transmission fails on a remote road and you are unable to call for help. The most serious symptom of a bad transmission is called ‘shift shock’. If your transmission shifts abruptly into another gear, then it is not performing as it should. Also be aware of other signs such as ‘slipping’ (when a transmission hesitates between gears) and difficulty downshifting. Sure, if the radio goes out, you can let that slide until you have some money to fix it. Same with the Air Conditioner (although increasingly in newer model cars, the AC is used to help defrost your windshield), but the above three factors cannot and should not be ignored. If you have any of these issues, get your car checked out, and if you’re looking for car repair assistance for low income come see us at CASH 1 for pre approved payday loans or fast title loans. We have services in Arizona and Nevada.

Avoid Doing This to Keep Your Car Maintained

• Long idle periods
• Rapid acceleration
• Speeding above 65 mph
• Crossing 3,000 rpm
• Overloading the vehicle with weight

Best Practices to Save on Car Repairs

• Accelerate gradually
• Shift to neutral or stop the engine at red light
• Check frequently – Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid
• Conform proper wheel alignment
• Check tires pressure including spare
• Ensure proper battery cable connections and terminals are corrosion free
• Get it insured