Why You Should Keep a Maintenance Log (FREE DOWNLOADABLE)

We’re all busy people with a lot of things on our minds. While we can convince ourselves that our memories won’t fail us, it’s easier said than done. Remembering is especially important when it comes to our vehicle’s maintenance.

Do you remember the last time your car got a tune-up or oil change?

Unlike filling our tank or washer fluid, certain services are done months apart making it harder to remember the last time you went to a mechanic. Plus, with all the other things going on in our lives, these items can go over our heads very easily.

Keeping tabs on the work being done on your car can be really helpful. It can help you prepare for the future and know when your next trip to the shop should be. Additionally, knowing when your next service is due can help you avoid any inconvenient experience and save you a lot of money in the long run too!

An easy solution? Keep a maintenance log in your car.

A maintenance log is a small notebook, pad or sheet where you can record the services being done to your car. Try to get a something small or foldable that can fit in your glove compartment. If you have a notebook, place a pen in the spirals so you always have something to write with. Even if you only have a sheet of paper, make sure you always keep something to write with nearby.

While there are many maintenance log notebooks available for purchase online, we’ve included a FREE downloadable log for you to print and use. Click here to download.

Here’s how to fill it out:

  • Date – Add the date in which you went to get work done.
  • Service – Write out any service performed that day.
  • Shop – Write out which mechanic or garage you went to.
  • Paid – Write how much you paid for a service. TIP: If you decide to try out different mechanics or shops, this column can help you compare prices down the line.
  • Comments – Write any important comments or reminders. Here is where you should write when your next visit should be.

Example:

Date

Service

Shop

Paid

Comments

3/21/18

Oil Change

Amigo Repairs

$30

Next change at 50,000 miles

Now that you’re ready to get organized, you no longer have to stare blankly at the mechanic when he asks when your last tune-up was.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

amigo smile
log
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How To Change a Flat Tire

You’re driving to an important meeting or doctors appointment when you hear that awful flapping noise coming from your back tire. Looks like you’ve got a flat.

Getting a flat tire is something that’s bound to happen to almost every driver. In fact, according to statistics, every driver will experience an average of 5 flat tires in their lifetime. What’s worse is that it always seems to happen at the worst possible moment.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Changing a tire is a simple process that can be done in 15-30 minutes depending on experience. All you need is a couple of tools that you might already have in your car. If you don’t, they can be found at your local auto parts supplier at inexpensive prices.

So, before you pick up the phone and call a tow truck, see if you can change the tire yourself.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Spare Tire (TIP – check your spare regularly and ensure it’s properly inflated)
  • Jack
  • Lug Wrench
  • Flashlight
  • Tire Gauge
  • Gloves
  • Flares or Reflective Triangles
  • Wheel Wedges
  • Owner’s Manual
act like a car
  • Step One: Find a safe spot to pull into. If a tire blows out whilst on the road, turn your hazard lights on and pull into a safe space. If you’re on a busy street or highway, try to pull away from traffic as far away as possible. Suitable areas include parking lots, the shoulder of an off-ramp or a straight, flat, side street. Try to avoid any areas at an incline.
  • Step Two: Once in a safe area, make sure your parking brake is engaged and get your tools and spare ready to use.
  • Step Three: If on hand, use flares or reflective triangles on the back of your vehicle. These are particularly handy if you get a flat tire in the late afternoon or night. They will let other drivers know that a vehicle has stopped.
  • Step Four: Use the wheel wedges and place them against the tires on the opposite side of the flat. This will help make sure that the vehicle is secure while you use the jack.
  • Step Five: Remove the hubcap. If the lug nuts are exposed, you don’t have to do this step. Using the flat end of the lug wrench, remove the wheel cover.
  • Step Six: Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Do Not Remove.
  • Step Seven: Move jack under your car.
  • Step Eight: Carefully expand the jack until the flat tire is about 5-6 inches off ground. Remember not to place any part of your body under the vehicle. A fault in the jack could result in serious injury if not careful.
  • Step Nine: Unscrew and remove lug nuts. Be careful not to lose them as you’ll need them once the spare is on.
  • Step Ten: Remove the flat tire from the hub by placing two hands firmly on the tire and pulling towards you.
  • Step Eleven: Align your spare tire with the exposed lug bolts and push them into place.
  • Step Twelve: Replace the lug nuts with your hands. Don’t use the wrench until after your vehicle has been lowered.
  • Step Thirteen: Lower the jack until the spare tire touches the ground safely. Once on the ground, remove the jack.
  • Step Fourteen: Using the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts. Make sure they are tightly secured.
  • Step Fifteen: Replace the hubcap or wheel cover.
  • Step Sixteen: Remove wheel wedges from the tires you previously placed them on.
  • Step Seventeen: If you have a tire gauge, check the spare tire’s pressure. If it does not match your vehicle’s PSI, drive to your nearest gas station and fill accordingly.

Keep in mind that it’s not advised to go long periods of time on a spare tire. It’s recommended you take your flat tire to a repair shop and get it replaced or repaired.

While changing your own tire can certainly save you a couple of bucks, safety should always be your number one priority. Consider the weather, location or tool condition when deciding if you should do it yourself or call for help.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

amigo smile
How-to-change-a-flat-tire
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5 Car Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

We all try to play the saving game as best as we can. However, when even the smallest of things go wrong with our cars, it’s easier to schedule time at the shop than try to fix it ourselves, costing us quite a bit of money in the process. And while many things should be left to the professionals, there are a couple of tasks that you can easily check or fix at home.

Things You’ll Need

  • Rag or towel
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Receptacle
  • Your Car’s Manual

Windshield Wipers

windshield wipers

You don’t need to be a car genius to know how to change your windshield wipers. Blade set-up may differ from car to car so it’s important to check your vehicle’s manual, but it goes something like this:

  1. Lift the blades, similar to when you wash them, and remove old blades.
  2. Be sure to look at how the old blades connect to the metal arms. This so you know how your new ones will be attached.
  3. Find the tab on the underside of the wiper and push to remove old blade.
  4. Attach new blades carefully so as to not bend or scratch your windshield.
  5. Line everything up and make sure they are both secure.
  6. Generally, the packaging for new blades offers additional helpful tips and diagrams in case you’re unsure.

Tire Pressure

tire pressure

Having correct tire pressure is very important as it helps evenly distribute the weight of your car. When tire pressure is off, due to either under or over-inflating, the tire loses that stability and can negatively impact your car’s stride. When tire pressure is too low, you’ll see a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor light up on your dashboard. This means it’s time to check your tires. Luckily, this doesn’t have to break the bank and can easily be done in less than 5 minutes with a basic tire pressure gauge.

  1. First, be sure to check your vehicle’s recommended PSI. This can be found on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
  2. Remove the caps from the tire air valves; place the gauge on the valve creating a solid seal between gauge and valve.
  3. Apply pressure to get a reading. Do this for all four tires.
  4. If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor to add air. These are available at many gas stations. Ensure that you add air to match your vehicle’s PSI.
  5. If you overfill your tires, use the back end of pin to remove any extra air.

Fluid Levels

fluid levels

Don’t let the sight of your engine or fancy car terminologies intimidate you. Checking your vehicle’s fluid levels can be quite easy and time effective. As a general rule, a fluid level check is recommended every 1-2 months. To check any fluids under your hood, be sure to park your car in a flat, well-lit area and let the engine cool for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Check Your Oil

oil-splash
  1. Identify the dipstick. This is a long, thin rod with a ring or handle at the top. Not to be confused with your transmission fluid dipstick. As always, refer to your owner’s manual to be sure.
  2. Pull the dipstick all the way out, wipe it with a rag or towel and reinsert. This will ensure a better reading of the fluid level.
  3. After a couple of minutes, pull the dipstick out once more and check if the oil level is near the FULL line.
  4. If not, add more oil. Your manual will state what kind of oil is best for your vehicle.
  5. Be sure to never overfill the oil reservoir.
  6. To add oil, simply locate the reservoir, remove the cap and use a funnel to add. Wipe any excess or spilled oil with a rag or towel. Place the cap securely on the reservoir and recheck your levels.
  7. If you notice that your oil is black or brown and not clear light brown and shiny, you might need to go get your oil changed professionally.
  8. For a helpful graphic, click here.

Check Your Windshield Wiper Fluid

automotive-wiper-fluid2-512
  1. Find the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. This is usually a white plastic container or tube with the picture of a windshield. You can find the exact location of this reservoir in your manual.
  2. If the level is lower than the FILL line, remove the cap and add the appropriate fluid with a funnel. Do not add water.
  3. Be sure to close the lid securely once you’re finished.

Flush a Radiator

radiator flush

Keeping a radiator from overheating is essential. Unfortunately, over time, sludge can build up inside the generator making your coolant less effective. In turn, this can negatively affect your engine’s performance and mileage. A coolant service is generally recommended every 30,000 miles or five years. However, it’s always important to check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended specifications. Here’s how that goes:

  1. Make sure your engine is cool. This will prevent any injury should you make any contact with the engine. A good time to work is two hours after your vehicle’s been last used.
  2. Locate your vehicle’s radiator drain plug. Place a coolant receptacle under the drain and unscrew the plug. Allow the coolant to drain into the receptacle.
  3. Replace drain plug and remove the radiator cap. With a funnel, add radiator flush cleaning solution to the radiator and fill the rest with water.
  4. Replace and tighten the cap. Start your car, turn your heater on to the hottest setting, then let cool for about 10 -15 minutes. After those minutes are up, turn your car off and wait for your car engine to cool.
  5. After your engine has cooled back down, unscrew the drain plug and empty its contents into your receptacle.
  6. Replace drain plug. With your funnel, fill the radiator with 50% coolant and 50% water. Tighten all caps and voila!

Jump Start Your Car

jumpstarter

Knowing how to jump-start a car is an essential roadside know-how. In many cases, it can not only help you get back on the road but also help be a good Samaritan by knowing how to help other drivers in need.

  1. Have a friend or family member offer to help. Have them drive the good car up to your car so batteries are as close as possible.
  2. Attach the red positive cable to the good car battery terminal, then attach the other red positive cable to your car’s battery terminal.
  3. Attach the black negative cable to the good car battery, then ground the car by attaching the other black negative to a solid, unpainted metal surface on your car (a bolt, for example) as far away from the battery as possible. Avoid any moving parts in the engine.
  4. Start the good car first and wait 2 minutes. Then, start your car and wait for 2 minutes.
  5. Remove the cables in the reverse order they were attached in.
  6. Let your car run for 2 more minutes then hit the road!
  7. For a helpful diagram, click here.

Simple as many of these steps may be, be sure to recognize when something is out of your capabilities or knowledge. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, take your care to a professional and avoid any further damage.

Signed,
Amigo Insurance

amigo smile
mechanic-1024x680
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Vehicle Maintenance Means Better Safety

Many of us think that we, the drivers, are the only influencer on our vehicles. However, that’s not the case. Often, your vehicle is its own influencer. A misbehaving car might create the potential to harm others.

A vehicle can greatly influence itself. At times, it might do so in ways that inappropriately affect the driver, passengers and others. A well-functioning car becomes important for your own safety.

Understanding The Importance of Car Maintenance

You wouldn’t get on an airplane if you knew it had malfunctioning parts. So, why should you drive a car that hasn’t received proper care. You likely don’t think much about wear and tear when you’re going down the road. However, every mile you put on your car puts a little bit of strain on the car’s internal systems. They do, after all, have to work constantly to get you where you want to go. Over time, the wear and tear on your car will begin to mount. Eventually, parts on this well-oiled machine will need maintenance.

If you don’t properly maintain your car, you run the risk of breakdowns or catastrophic damage. That could lead to a lot of repair costs down the road. Neglect might even increase the chances of irreparable vehicle damage, car accidents and other malfunctions. Needless to say, you don’t want that to happen to you.

That’s why regular car maintenance is so important. If you can keep your car in good working order, it will keep you safer on the road. Don’t let maintenance neglect get in your way of safe driving.

Taking Care of Your Vehicle

Most vehicles require standard maintenance every few thousand miles. The right attention to your vehicle can help extend its operating lifetime. This often means you won’t have to buy a new car earlier because you didn’t take care of the old one. That’s speaks volumes—and money—to most people.

When you buy the car, it will likely come with manufacturer maintenance recommendations. The guide can help you determine when to receive maintenance and what services you’ll need. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when getting car service.

  • Many Americans take their vehicles to their dealerships for regular maintenance. Others take the cars to independent mechanics. When searching for a mechanic, do your research. You should always choose certified, trusted providers. They should have a reputation of fast, affordable and most importantly accurate service.
  • If your car has special designs, like hybrid or electrical functions, ensure your mechanic knows how to service it. Some mechanics are not specialists in these high-tech vehicles.
  • Ask if your vehicle has a service warranty from the dealer or manufacturer. These warranties might help drivers qualify for very low-cost maintenance and parts replacement.
  • One of the most important regular services you can receive is an oil change. Your oil system helps keep the engine and other internal systems lubricated. This ensures that they run smoothly. Regular oil changes can help remove contaminants from internal systems.
  • During oil changes, your mechanic will usually check your engine as well. Your engine might need cleaning, filter changes and other maintenance over time. Engine neglect might lead to fires, explosions, failures and damage to other systems. Drivers should never neglect engine maintenance.
  • You car’s battery helps the car start, run and idle. Usually, by running your engine you supply the battery with power. However, the battery will age, becoming less reliable over time. Therefore, you will likely need to replace the battery every five years or so. Never neglect replacing a battery. An old or damaged battery can put undue strain on other internal systems. Your mechanic can check your battery during your maintenance.
  • Have your mechanic rotate, refill or replace your tires as needed. Improperly inflated or tread-worn tires might lead to control issues, making driving unsafe. You don’t want to experience an accident because your tires don’t work as they should.

There are usually other comprehensive maintenance tasks you might need. These might include HVAC, electrical or carriage services. Ask your mechanic if they can completely inspect the interior and exterior systems of the vehicle during your maintenance. Most mechanics will likely do this anyway. Direct their attention to any sounds, smells or noises you have noticed while driving. This might help them diagnose ongoing problems.

Can Car Insurance Help With Maintenance?

Usually, your standard car insurance won’t pay for a normal maintenance checkup. Insurance means to help drivers who experience unintentional or unavoidable vehicle damage. Maintenance doesn’t fall under this category. However, if you have to receive maintenance as the result of a vehicle accident or other damage, you might be able to file a claim.

Therefore, it’s best for most drivers to take care of their cars under all circumstances. The better your car works, the lower your chances of experiencing costly, harmful damages. Therefore, consider your maintenance duty to be one of safety.

Call us for a Chicago auto insurance quote at 877-999-2644.

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