Notepad Corner

Each year, over one-fourth of Americans report being dissatisfied with their repairs from a mechanic, with costs being the biggest source of satisfaction, followed by improper repairs. In fact, unnecessary car repair is consistently ranked among of highest causes of consumer complaints in the United States, and repair costs have been estimated to be in the tens of billions- even as high as $40 billion. These expenses pile up on top of all the other costs of owning a car. Owning a car can cost an average of $9,122 for sedans (which comes out to 60.8 cents per mile over the vehicle’s lifespan) to $9,795 for a minivan (65.3 cents per mile) to $11,599 for an SUV (77.3 cents per mile). Maintenance costs increase the cost of owning a car even more; upkeep cost Americans an average of 4.97 cents per mile in 2013, equivalent to about $750 per year. Interestingly, these hundreds of dollars of repairs stem from the same few areas of your car. Your engine, for example, is the most importan...

A car to some is simply a form of transport to get from Point A to Point B. For others, it is a necessary part of the household, a possession that is listed as part of the family's asset. Yet for others, a car is their pride and joy, to be shown off at every opportunity and to be washed and polished whenever time allows. Car owners who fall into this last group more often than not undertake their own maintenance. While it is important to have your vehicle looked at by professional mechanics at regular intervals, undertaking your own basic maintenance and minor repairs is a satisfying and money-saving activity. Just be sure to research properly and follow tips from experts like those at www.pureperformancemotorsport.com/  before undertaking anything too complicated. Here are some of the more common faults to look out for if you choose to undertake your own maintenance on your car. Battery issues The battery; it’s very important but largely forgotten. The battery in a mod...