There are car problems and then there are really bad car problems, the kind that leave you on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck.  Barring something extreme like an accident, you can prevent many of those bad car problems with simple maintenance. Consider it an investment in your own future.

Tires & Alignment
When the tread on your tires starts to wear low, everywhere you drive literally becomes dangerous ground. If your tires can’t grip, then your car is more likely to slide or spin on tight curves and turns. Things get even worse in rainy or wintry weather.

You also need to keep tires properly aligned and filled to the right amount of air pressure. You can’t align tires at home – you need the right equipment for that – but you can get a tire pressure gauge and check your tires often. When you take your car in for an oil change, ask about having the tires rotated; this prevents tires from wearing unevenly and can help them last longer.

Exhaust/Muffler Repair
If you’re hearing loud, irritating noises from the back of your car, don’t ignore them. Something may be wrong with your exhaust or muffler; failing to deal with the issue will be irritating for you and all nearby drivers; plus it can cause your car to produce far more emissions, which is bad for the environment. Take your car to the nearest Car-X for a free estimate on a muffler repair.

Brake Repair & Service
The telltale, high-pitched squeak that you hear when you use the brakes is your clue. It may not happen every time you brake, but it will become more and more frequent. It’s a sign that the brake pads are wearing out; they’re designed to squeal so you clue in and get the brake pads replaced.

The consequence of ignoring this maintenance item? Well, you just don’t know how long you have on the brake pads once they start wearing out. You could cause damage to the braking system, which will end up becoming a more costly brake repair. At worst, you could end up in an accident if your car won’t slow down when you need it to.

Overall Engine/Frame Inspection
A regular inspection for your car is kind of like getting a physical done; you may be perfectly fine, but it’s nice to know. When it comes to your car, it’s best to catch any potential problems before they get serious, and get professional advice on how to improve performance, get better fuel efficiency, and take the best care of your car.

I was compensated for this post. Giveaway brought to you by Car-X Auto Service