Podcast Summary
Empowering Car Owners with Knowledge and Resources: Learn essential automotive education from Kaia Milstein to save money, feel confident, and effectively care for your car. Understand safety features and find a trustworthy mechanic. Utilize affordable resources like Whole Foods Market and Apple Card to make maintenance more accessible.
Taking care of a car can be a source of stress and uncertainty, especially for those who are new to car ownership or have had negative experiences in the past. However, with the right knowledge and resources, it's possible to feel more confident and empowered when it comes to maintaining a vehicle. This is where Kaia Milstein, founder of Mechanic Shop Fem, comes in. Kaia provides essential automotive education to help everyday people save money and care for their cars effectively. Another key takeaway is the importance of feeling comfortable and knowledgeable when it comes to car safety features and finding a trustworthy mechanic. By understanding these aspects, car owners can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress and costs. Lastly, it's essential to have the right tools and resources to make car maintenance more accessible and affordable. For example, sponsors like Whole Foods Market offer wallet-friendly options for hosting celebratory brunches or buying groceries, while Apple Card provides daily cash rewards for various purchases. Overall, the message is that with the right knowledge, resources, and support, car maintenance can be less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
Regularly check tire pressure and replace wiper blades for better car performance and longevity: Check tire pressure monthly or bi-monthly and replace wiper blades every six months for improved fuel efficiency, extended tire life, and clear visibility in adverse weather
Drivers can significantly improve their car's performance and longevity by practicing basic car safety measures, such as checking tire pressure regularly and replacing wiper blades every six months. These simple actions can lead to better fuel efficiency, extended tire life, and improved visibility during rain or snow. When it comes to tire pressure, Kya suggested checking it once a month if your car has tire pressure sensors, and twice a month if it doesn't. Proper tire pressure not only helps improve fuel efficiency but also saves money by preventing uneven tire wear and the need for premature replacements. Regarding wiper blades, Kya emphasized their importance in maintaining clear visibility during adverse weather conditions. She recommended changing them every six months, with some high-quality blades potentially lasting longer. To find the correct wiper blade length for your specific car model, you can visit auto parts store websites and input your vehicle information. By taking care of these essential car maintenance tasks, drivers can save money, enhance safety, and ensure their vehicles are always ready for the road.
Lifting wiper arms and buying seat belt extenders: Carefully lift wiper arms to prevent windshield damage, buy seat belt extenders for safety, check engine oil monthly for cars under 100k miles, and regularly for older cars or those with oil consumption issues.
When replacing wiper blades, it's essential to lift the wiper arms off the windshield carefully to prevent cracking the glass. Also, seat belt extenders are important safety accessories, especially for larger individuals or those who may ride in your vehicle. Seat belt extenders can be purchased from dealerships for around $20, and it's crucial to buy the correct one for your specific vehicle. Regular car checks are necessary, including tire pressure and engine oil level. Most cars require engine oil level checks when the engine is cold, and checking the oil level can provide an opportunity to inspect other parts under the hood. If your car has less than 100,000 miles and burns no oil, check the engine oil once a month. If your car has over 100,000 miles or burns oil excessively, check it twice a month. Regular checks can save money in the long run. Lastly, always have a seat belt extender in your glove box as a precaution for unexpected guests.
Older cars need more frequent air filter changes: Older cars or those with high mileage may require more frequent air filter changes. A flashing check engine light is an emergency, while a steady light can be diagnosed by a mechanic.
Car owners with older vehicles or those who have driven over 100,000 miles should pay extra attention to their car's maintenance. While checking and changing the engine air filter annually is a good practice for all car owners, older vehicles may require more frequent air filter changes due to air quality or conditions. Additionally, the check engine light can cause significant anxiety, but it's important to remember that a flashing light is an emergency and requires immediate attention. For a steady check engine light, it's recommended to take the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis. While a code checker can provide some information, it's not a diagnostic tool, and fixing the symptom instead of the root cause could lead to unnecessary expenses.
Finding a reliable mechanic: Build a relationship before an emergency: Ask for recommendations, interview mechanics, evaluate communication skills, and trust your instincts to find a reliable mechanic. If issues persist, consider a new vehicle.
Finding a reliable mechanic is an essential part of car ownership. The process should be approached like building a relationship, and it's best to start your search before an emergency arises. You can ask for recommendations in local community groups, then interview potential mechanics by scheduling a service like an oil change or inspection. During this visit, evaluate their communication skills, respect, and ability to explain things clearly. Trust your instincts and keep trying new mechanics until you find a good fit. However, if you've invested significant time and money into a car, and the issues persist despite a good mechanic, it might be time to consider a new vehicle.
Beyond Market Value: Car Worth and Safety: Safety and maintenance are crucial factors in determining a car's worth beyond market value. Regular maintenance and finding a reliable mechanic can help save costs and prevent emergencies.
A car's worth to an individual goes beyond its market value. Safety is another crucial factor to consider when deciding whether to keep or replace a car. Factors like rust, brake line or fuel line issues, and difficulty finding parts for older models can impact a car's worth. The owner's manual is an essential resource for understanding maintenance requirements and can help car owners make informed decisions about their vehicles. While it may seem intimidating, regular maintenance and finding a good mechanic can help car owners avoid costly repairs and emergencies.
Maintain your car for safety: Regularly check tire pressure, wiper blades, oil levels, invest in seat belt extenders, ensure engine air filter works, don't ignore check engine light, find a reliable mechanic, consider safety condition and access to parts before making decisions, trust your gut and owner's manual
Prioritizing car safety is crucial. Establish routine checks for tire pressure, wiper blades, and oil levels. Invest in seat belt extenders and ensure your engine air filter is working properly for older cars. When the check engine light comes on, don't ignore it. Finding a reliable mechanic is essential, and consider your car's safety condition and access to replacement parts before making big decisions. Trust your gut and consult your owner's manual when needed. Remember, driving a car involves serious responsibility, and feeling confident and safe should be a priority. For more car-related tips, visit mpr.org/lifekit. If you have a useful tip, share it with us at 202-216-9823 or lifekit@mpr.org. This episode of Life Kit was produced by Sylvie Douglass, Megan Kane, Beth Donovan, Dalia Mortada, and Beck Harlan. Stay informed with public radio and donate to the NPR network at donate.npr.org.
