How to Keep Your Clunker Running Smoothly

Just like anything else, if you want your car to last, you've got to take care of it. Sure, it might be a little older than you'd like, but it gets you from point A to point B without fail. If you're like most people, you want to be able to maintain your car so that it continues to run, but you don't want the hefty price tag that sometimes comes along. Here are a few tips to help keep your clunker running smoothly without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Get to know your car. Yes, that probably sounds a lot harder than it seems, but even if you don't know much about cars in general, you can get to know more about your own car. Start by learning about the basic problems that you may have and how to check them. For instance, you might not be able to do a complete oil change, but at least if you know how to check your oil, you'll be a step ahead when you take your car in to the shop. Being aware of what's going on with your car can save you a lot of money, especially because repair shops won't be able to take advantage of you and "tell you" what your car needs.

Have you ever stopped to think that you might be able to fix some small problems with your car? Well, although I wouldn't recommend trying to replace your brakes if they're worn, but you can easily learn how to change out your basic car fluids and your air filter. You'd be surprised how much money you can put back into your pocket by avoiding going to the repair shop for these simple tasks

Another thing that can be helpful with maintenance costs, and also keep your car running longer, is to be able to recognize warning signs of some common repair problems. A very common issue that a lot of people have with their cars is the "check engine" light. While it doesn't necessarily mean that your engine is failing, it can certainly signal that your fluids are low or you need a tune up. Learn how to get under the hood and check for these common issues, so even if you do end up at the repair shop, you're at least aware of what's going on.

You also want to keep an eye on your cars electrical system. Your car does have a battery and of course, your car battery can be recharged, but if you can, it's best to get a replacement when it starts to lose power. A drained battery can cause dim lights, and you might have a little trouble getting your car to start. Even if your battery isn't dead (or close to dying), you still need to check for loose connections; you also need to make sure that there's no corrosion or broken wires around your battery. Car batteries are a very important part of keeping your car running, but, there are lots of people who don't have the first clue about them.

The alternator is also a source of common car problems. The alternator belt not only turns your alternator, but it also turns a lot of your car engine's other parts. If it's worn or damaged your car might not start, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it as well. Just being able to spot problems before they become a real problem can make your car last a whole lot longer.

Honestly, it's best to be proactive about your car repairs and maintenance. If you can catch something before it becomes a problem, your car won't suffer as much damage from being in disrepair; so of course, it will run better and for a longer time. The real key to keeping your car running smoothly, no matter how old it may be, is to give it proper care. Keep your routine maintenance up to date, and have your car fully inspected every once in a while. You'd be surprised how long your car will last when you take care of it. Some people have "real clunkers," and they're still running strong, even after a couple hundred thousand miles.