When is it time to say goodbye?

Whether you drive an old Gremlin, an ancient Jeep or a modern sedan, your relationship with your ride is complicated. Obviously, you want to make your vehicle last as long as possible – who doesn't?

Buying a used car or a new car means having another car payment . You also lose that trusted friend on the road. However, the time will come when you must part with that beloved vehicle.

How do you know when it's time to bury that car? When is it time to let your car, truck or van go to that great auto junkyard in the sky?

You can always keep a vehicle on the road, no matter how decrepit it might be if you’re willing to spend the dough. Remember that the older your vehicle becomes, the more costly the repairs will be.

If you're your dropping parts faster than you can bolt new ones on, it's time for a change! The amount in your bank account – or not, as the case may be – is the key to knowing when it's time to move on.

Why keep dumping cash into your ride if you're paying as much as a new car payment in repair fees? Of course, if you are "mechanically inclined," or have an extended warranty that time might come later than it would for someone who is not so inclined.

The best way to measure the "worth" of your ride is to make a simple comparison. If your vehicle is worth less than the cost of repairs, it's time to wave bye-bye. You may have nostalgia and memories tied up in the chrome, steel and rubber, but it is time to move on.

You've got to bring yourself to part with it; you must force yourself to see that vehicle, not as a beloved, reliable machine, but as a money pit, sucking up your funds and your time!

Eventually, the time will come when it's more trouble to keep your vehicle on the road than it is to watch it rust away in the backyard. The key is to know the situation before that time arrives. If you wait too long, you can be in a world of hurt. Imagine being stuck with a $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,000 repair bill and no way to get another vehicle!

When it becomes apparent that Betsy just isn't cutting it any more, hobble into the local dealership, crank up the computer, or crack open the paper and start looking for a new ride. Does a new or used vehicle fit into your budget? Are there other items you can cut out to make it fit.

While it might feel like a betrayal, you should probably keep an eye out for potential new cars. Know what makes and models are available and how they can benefit you – your old ride won't hold it against you!

Keep your eyes open for deals within your area. Buying from Joe down the street might be more affordable than purchasing through a dealer, though the dealership will offer financing on that used car.

Another solution is to add an extended warranty to your trusted Betsy. Warranties are available that will protect you against major repair cost even if your vehicle has 100,000 miles or more on it now. Just be sure of the coverage level and the company that is backing it. Many of the less scrupulous companies out there are under insured (some are even uninsured). Read the contract before you buy!

The decision to buy a new car or used car (or add an extended warranty ) can be an excellent option. Ownership costs are offset by warranties and the vehicle is a bit more reliable than old Betsy was. Saving cash is important – especially today. That doesn't mean you have to suffer with a ride that breaks down more often than it runs right!

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How Much Should A Brake Job Cost?

Are you confused about how much a brake job costs? I'll let you in on a little secret – so are most of us!

With the incredible number of vehicles on the road today, pricing a brake job is a lot like playing a game of Clue (for you youngsters that’s a board game, actually played off line with real people).

Of course, your brakes are no game – they're one of the most important systems on your vehicle!

So, how do you find the price on a brake job? How do you know if it’s fair? Short of calling a repair center or your local dealership – which will be more than happy to part you from your money – there are a few ways to figure out a "ballpark" estimate for that brake job. You've got to answer a few questions, of course.

• What should a brake job entail?
• How much should it cost?
• What's the price for labor?

Actually, there is no such thing as an "average" brake job. Different brands and models require different things when you replace your brake pads. You will also have different prices if you have 4-wheel disc brakes or disc in the front and drum brakes in the rear.

Of course, the minimum work performed during this type of service should be replacement of your front brake pads and a resurfacing of your front rotors. That will set you back between $100 and $250, depending on labor costs (labor costs are per hour and very greatly from $50 + or - in small markets to well over $100 in major markets).

If you have rear drums, these can often be adjusted for a minimal cost. Some centers will charge you as little as a few bucks, while others will demand $50, just to adjust the shoes. Of course, you'll hit other considerations, too – like a brick wall, if you're not careful.

Consider your average base model, front-wheel drive Honda Accord. The basic brake service should be a replacement of the front brake pads on both wheels (never replace just one side), as well as having the rotors "turned" with a brake lathe.

Turning or resurfacing, smoothes the surface of the rotor, ensuring that your brakes work properly. If you don't resurface your rotors, it's possible that hitting your brake pedal could induce vibrations that would make a cement mixer jealous.

Of course, if your rotors are too warped to be resurfaced, you'll need to replace them. This is where the pricing becomes very dicey. New rotors can run anywhere from $29 all the way up to more than $200 depending on make, model and the type of rotor you purchase.

Brake pads run a similar gamut, depending on the choice of standard OEM pads, standard aftermarket pads, ceramic pads, full-metallic pads or Kevlar pads. See why prices very so much? A full, 4-wheel brake job can run from $400 to $800 with ease, depending on the configuration of your vehicle.

Of course, other questions will plague your mind. Some of the most common questions vehicle owners have are:

• How long do brake pads last?
• Should rotor replacement be a scheduled service?
• Do calipers fail on a regular basis?
• What other brake services are essential?
• How about labor cost?

Let's address the first question: There is no easy way to predict when brake pads will wear out. It depends on many different factors, such as your braking habits, the area in which you live, the type of vehicle you drive and more. If you ride your brakes like Grandma, you'll go through pads very fast, indeed! For tips on how to make your brakes last see our blog.

When it is time to replace your pads and/or rotors (see below) check prices on line. My favorite sites are Auto Parts Giant and Parts Geek both offer outstanding prices on parts and the expertise to help you select the right ones. Even if you shop ends up providing the parts a few minutes of research can help you be sure the price is right.

To the second question: Rotors should honestly not need replacement more than a few times within the life of your ride. If you're changing rotors like a politician does positions, you might consider changing your braking habits.

About your calipers: Calipers are designed to last the life of the vehicle, though they do fail from time to time. The usual cause is due to poor driving habits, but mechanical failure can happen too. Regular service and maintenance is the best way to keep them from locking up tighter than bank vault. Note: Calipers are covered in under some Extended Warranties check your coverage or visit 100000andbeyond.com.
Other services you need: Your brake fluid is the lifeblood of your braking system. A brake fluid service helps keep your hydraulic system in good health. It makes sure your master cylinder, brake lines and calipers are working well.

Labor costs: As stated labor cost are a function of hourly rate and number of hours the repair takes. You can look up the required time (number of hours) on line here and shop your local shops for best rates. Some shops charge a flat rate – I have one locally that charges $49 for pads and rotors, and will even let me provide the parts. These can lead to the best price just make sure of the quality of work.
With a little time and research you can make sure you get the best bang -or stop - for the buck. Just make sure you don’t get taken for a ride.

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What Tires Are Right For Me?

Are you wondering what type of tires is right for you? That's pretty understandable, given the tremendous range of tire types available. Do you need mud and snow tires? Do you want touring tires? Z rated? Oversized? Undersized? Oh my aching head –

· When should I replace my tires?
· How do I know what I need?
· How much should new tires cost?
· Will Elvis return to take back his throne?

Well, this guide will help with some of those questions. It's completely up to the King if he chooses to reveal himself to us lesser mortals.

Anyway, the choice of tires can be painful and annoying. Finding the right set of tires for your vehicle is important, of course. But so is saving cash. If you know what you're doing, you can do both!

- The "When" Factor –

For those with little or no automotive experience, knowing when to replace your tires is largely guesswork. Of course, leaving it to chance is not a good choice. That thin layer of rubber is all that stands between your rear end and the road!
Check the tread if it looks like Kojak's head, there dead. (I should’ve been a poet) Actually, you can watch the tread wear if you're vigilant. Most tires have a wear indicator bar, situated within the tread – it will look like a raised, smooth bar, perpendicular to the tread pattern. If this is showing, you know you're getting close to replacement time.
Other things to look and listen for include:

· Excessive edge wear – remember, exposed wires = bad
· Spider web – If you see cracks and spider webs on the side it could be dry rot.
· Thump thump – that thumping nose you hear could be your tires (did you rotate them?)
· Balding tread – remember the reference to Kojak? We're not joking!

- The "What" Factor –

Ok, so your tires are shot – they're smoother than a baby's bottom and nowhere near as cute. Now you'll need to know what to buy.
Wait! Before you rush out and buy just any new rubber, take a few minutes to define your needs. What type of tires do you need? Answering this question will involve some Freudian tactics – it's time to delve into your inner psyche! No, we're not going to investigate your Mommy issues – we're going to figure out the type of tire you need.

The type of vehicle you drive plays the largest role here. Do you have a modern sedan? If so, you'll likely not want to slap a set of mudders on there. Do you drive a truck? Those passenger-rated tires you're eyeing are probably the wrong choice.

Driving habits also play a role. Do you have a lead foot and a sports car? Z and ZR rated tires have the speed rating you need for safety. Of course, they'll wear out faster than other types, as well.

The profusion of options on the market is considerable. For instance, if you're willing to shell out a few more greenbacks, you can put a set of touring tires on your ride. These have a square-shouldered design for better stability and comfort and usually have a better mileage warranty than other tires.

If you'll be driving in a variety of conditions, then all-season tires are your best option. Actually, all-season tires are the most common option on the market – you'll have no trouble locating a set.

Winter driving brings other considerations. If you live in a cold, snowy area, then studded snow tires are a great idea – or at least a set rated for mud and snow. Pickup trucks will benefit from LT rated tires, if they actually do work. Trucks that do little work, but just look cool can use P-rated tires.

You will also find prices on tires vary by brand, style, geographic location and even time of year. As an example, high-performance tires run from $85 to $165 each, while truck tires average between $50 and $135 each. If you want an all-season tire, you can expect to pay between $30 and $85 each. It’s important to remember to take the total cost into account things like mounting and balancing add up so look at the whole package price.

Discount centers like Sam’s club, and BJ’s are great places to price shop. But like most things the best deals are found on line. Check out the tire rack great selection and prices as well as thousands of customer reviews on all kinds of brands and types.

Another great site is Auto Parts GIANT with its 110% price guarantee and free shipping Auto Parts GIANT is hard to beat.

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Making Your Brakes Last

Brakes are kinda important right. - Well Duh - Even if the rest of your ride is in top shape, bad brakes are an enormous safety concern. They’re what make us stop when we push that little peddle on the left.

So how do we go about getting the most life out of them?

It's no secret that brakes wear out over time. However, you can do several things to slow down that wear and tear, making them last quite a bit longer. Here, you'll find a handy guide to making those brakes last, and saving you more than a little bit of cold, hard cash.

Braking Bad Braking Habits

Brake pads and rotors wear out – it's the nature of the beast. When your brake pads press on your rotors, it creates friction, which slows down your vehicle. This also wears on the pads and rotors, in the same way the contact between road and tire wears out your tire tread.
However, bad braking habits can seriously cut down on the life of your brakes. In short, your bad habits may be responsible for the problems with your brakes! How do you kick the habit?

What should you avoid?

Sounds like twelve steps… my name is Mike and I’m a bad braker….

Sudden Stops – Avoid sudden stops like Hare Krishna’s in the airport. It puts tremendous pressure on your brake pads and can warp your rotors – that’s bad - Hard, sudden stops are one of the leading causes of early brake pad failure. For those of you who jam on the brakes at the stop sign, rather than slowing down before you get there – cut it out!

Riding Your Brakes – We’ve all seen them, the drivers moving forward with the brake lights lit, even though you know they're not slowing down. The brake lights remain on as the vehicle continues down the road, leaving you shaking your head, wondering what they're doing. You might even notice a foul burning smell – you did shower, right?

They're riding their brakes. In essence, they're driving with one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas. That's bad. Even the slightest amount of pressure on the brake pedal will cause the calipers to clamp down, forcing the pads into contact with the rotors.

If you maintain this contact for a long period, your brake pads will be eaten away faster than your kid can gulp down an Oreo cookie. You will also find your rotors are a horrible blue-black in color – you've scorched them and that can be seriously expensive to fix. In short, don't ride your brakes either!

Braking Rather than Downshifting – Have you ever looked at your gearshift indicator? Did you notice those extra gears? Yes, there are more gears than just park, reverse and drive. These gears are designed for use when you are pulling a heavy load and/or going down some seriously steep hills. – So that what that other numbers mean - Quite a few drivers ignore these gears, using their brakes instead. This has the same effect as riding your brakes – it's the same thing – with the extra effect of having to hold the vehicle to a slow pace on a grade. The next time you're going down the side of a mountain or a steep hill and are uncomfortable with your speed, downshift. Stay off your bakes. Your braking system will thank you.No matter how careful you are – how much you drive like Grandma – your brakes are going to wear out eventually and need to be replaced. – More on that in my next article - That said, you can get more out of your brakes – if you use them right! Driver fault is the #1 reason brake pads fail early. So, if you stomp the brake pedal hard and fast, expect some problems from your bad habits! Be easy with your brakes and they'll reward you with extra life.

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Make Your Tires Last

Do you want to make your vehicle stand the test of time?

– That's a ridiculous question, who doesn't? –

If so, then you need to keep her looking good and in excellent health . Like most "ladies" I know, keeping her need for shoes fed can get seriously expensive. Especially if she likes those designer brands!

Just so you know, we're talking about cars here.

Anyway, "shoes," or tires for you slower folks, are one of the easiest places to cut your costs and save hundreds of dollars. It only takes a few simple, commonsense steps to make them last longer.

So, if your tires are balding faster than old Uncle Frank, we've got a little work to do. Since they haven't invented "Rogaine" for tires yet, we're just going to have to do a bit of preventative maintenance.

Rotate Them! – Tire rotation might seem like something silly, dreamt up by dealerships and repair centers to rake in more green, but it is actually very important. You should rotate them roughly every 6,000 miles, or every other oil change (if you're using conventional oil, of course!). Whether you rotate them front-to-back or use an X pattern, just doing it at all is important.

Give 'Em A Little Air! – Tires lose pressure over time; it's just the way it is. This makes them wear unevenly and much more quickly. It can also lead to a dangerous sidewall blowout – and the expense of replacing that tire! So, check your tire pressure at least every other week. It takes just seconds and saves you money – and possibly your life! And for Pete's sake, use a tire gauge! They only cost a couple of bucks and "eyeballing" them just doesn't cut it.

Keep 'Em In Line! – Alignment is just as important to tire health as anything else. The simple act of driving can knock your ride out of alignment, making her drive as crooked as a politician's promise. Check your tires for edge wear – on either the inside or outside edge, but not both. If you see your tires getting a bit thin on the edge, get it aligned and do it fast! If you see wires dangling from the edges, it's already too late.

Watch Where You're Going! – Riding on rough surfaces does more damage than just pounding out a nice beat with rocks on your exhaust pipe. It can damage the tread on your tires. Keep to paved roads – you'll stave off the day you need to shell out major bucks for new tires. Of course, not all paved roads should have that name – know where you're driving and what the road conditions are like. Construction, potholes and rough pavement will eat away at your rubber, too.
Of course, the day will come when you have to break down and buy a new set of tires for your lady. However, before you rush out to that major tire store, check your options. You might be surprised by the number of options you have – used tires and cheap tires can be better options than buying a brand new set of "designer shoes" for your little lady.

Buying a set of used tires can help you save some major green while still keeping your ride "shoed" right. Another option is to buy cheap tires from a discount retailer. Get the lowest prices, best quality name brand parts, and helpful auto parts experts at Auto Parts GIANT. Now, don't go thinking Uncle Vinnie's going to break your kneecaps if you report his tire business. Cheap tires are a killer way to get back the tread depth you need for safety and comfort, without forcing you to take out a loan for the tires you need.

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