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I remember a time when cars were easy to take care of, in the sense of engine tune -up that is. My dad had a beautiful 1970 Chevy Malibu, (green) and 1969 a Pontiac catalina convertable in in candy apple red. They were called the muscle cars . Because they had a large engine that was comparable to say todays large pick-up trucks. Lots of power.

But the real sweet thing about these cars was the fact that you could work on them yourself. It was very easy at a glance when you opened up the car hood and identify the the parts and easy to do it yourself. The very basics parts can still be done yourself, you just have to know where they are located. Example...air filter, wiper blades. You can buy at a lot less cost at a discounted auto store and install it yourself. Read your owners manual. Sometimes some of the discounted auto store will even install basic parts for free, like the wiper blades, air filter. Sometimes they will check your batteries, or alternators (charges battery) for free. Just ask.

Most of the parts on an engine are still the basic components to a vehicle. The difference is, that today there is so much wiring and electroic gadgets that you need to take it to a speciallist. If you go to a car dealership you can get reliable service and alot of times these dealership (where you purchased your car) will include a free shuttle ride to say a store or even to your home while they are working on your car. Or they may have compimentary drinks and sometimes a free snack, in a climate controlled room with a large LCD TV with some sort of cable/satalite system hooked up. The cost is usually higher for repairs at a dealership because most times they have unionized higher educated mechanics which means you will have peace of mind. (If its a very reputable dealer)

Then, there are what I call the junkyard mechanics. Its at these places where people have a tendency to feel more nervous. The mechanic (if he is certified) comes out with his baseball cap tilted side ways , hands all dirty and a toothpick hanging from his mouth (maybe a cigarette) and tells you the bad news. You need a transmission overhaul and the cost is equivalent to half your mortgage. When all you really wanted was an engine tune-up. (consist of oil and oil filter change, spark plug change, and (air filter change if needed)

And then there are the garages where so and so has recommended you to go to. These places I found out are more of a hit and run operation. They tend to be a little more reliable and dependable then your junkyard mechanics. They can be less expensive but again you have to be very wary. Most of the time they may have Jr. working with pop. So for the best value for your money, peace of mind is priceless. Go to a well known certified mechanic that you can trust. As for the basics of tune ups, any more you have no choice but to take it a reliable shop.

Learn more about this author, Roman Irizarry.
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