Some students feel overwhelmed when when it comes to maintaining their automobiles. However, O’Hara Simmons, a manager at AutoZone, said this is an important task and can be done with a little knowledge of what needs to be done.
Simmons said proper maintenance helps prolong the life of the engine, which is the central part of the automobile because it makes the car move, Simmons said.
When cars are not properly maintained, the engine can cause pollution and “waste gas, instead of burning it,” he said.
“As high as gas is, you don’t want to waste gas,” Simmons said.
Simmons said avoiding being over-charged for mechanic services can be tricky.
He said the best way to avoid this is to get different quotes so that “you don’t spend money on things they need,” Simmons said.
“You have to check with shops to make sure they are reputable,” he said. “Visit shops to see the quality; ask people,” he said. “Pick a shop that is going to do you justice.”
Simmons said another way to avoid being over-charged is to speak to a parts person, a person who deals with the public to maintain the trust of the mechanic and customer.
Jennifer Dietrich, a micro biology senior, said she takes her car “to Benny’s if a light comes on.”
She said they will explain the problem, ask her what she would like to get repaired and give her a time span that she should consider getting it repaired.
Dietrich said she trusts Bennies’ because a lot of her family goes there for their auto needs.
“I don’t feel like they’re trying to rip me off ’cause I’m a girl,” she said.
Simmon said the most important thing for maintenancing a car is to get an oil change every three months or 3,00 miles.
Simmons also suggests changing air filters, PVC valve filters, fuel filters and breathers, every other oil change.
Cars should receive tune ups every 50,000 miles or “at least twice a year,” Simmons said.
Simmons said to follow the manufacturers’ specifications on new cars because it might not require a tune up until it reaches 100,000 miles.
Tune ups are important because they help with gas efficiency and “keep the car operating better,” Simmons said.
How often tire rotation is needed depends on the manufacturer of the automobile, Simmons said. He said he personally chooses to get a tire rotation every time he gets an oil change.
“It [tire rotation] helps to maintain even wear on the tires and it helps determine if you need a front-end alignment,” Simmons said.