9/11
The Front-End Alignment
You don’t need to haul your car in for front-end alignment service every time you hit a pothole. If the steering is noticeably pulling, look into it. If you really need a front-end alignment, you will know. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, as seen in the cutaway photo above. But, understand that the adjustment will only last until you hit the next pothole. Here’s how you can save money on car repairs.
10/11
Air Conditioner Recharge
If the air conditioning in your car is not as cold as it used to be, it might be time for a recharge of the refrigerant. But, probably not. Modern car AC systems are tightly sealed and most don’t ever experience a loss of refrigerant. More likely causes are the blower fan or leaks in the air circulation system. Have those checked first before you spend $200 to $300 on a recharge.
11/11
Tire Balancing and Rotation
When you buy new tires, they need to be balanced by the installer. Beyond that, it is not necessary to pay someone to do the job unless you notice an obvious handling problem. Tire rotation, however, is a good idea every 5,000 to 6,000 miles to even out tread wear, especially if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, where the front tire treads wear out about three times as fast as the rears. Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about jumping into DIY car repair.
