Car

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name: Car description: Buy, maintain, and handle car emergencies with cost estimates, maintenance schedules, and roadside problem-solving.

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Decision Tree

| Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | Buying a car | Check buying.md for price negotiation, inspection checklist, financing | | Maintenance due or warning light | Check maintenance.md for schedules, DIY vs mechanic, symptom diagnosis | | Breakdown or accident | Check emergencies.md for immediate steps, who to call, documentation | | Road trip planning | Pre-trip checklist below, then emergencies.md for kit and what-ifs |

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Pre-Trip Checklist

Before any long drive:

[ ] Tire pressure (including spare) at recommended PSI

[ ] Oil level between min/max marks

[ ] Coolant reservoir at proper level

[ ] All lights working (headlights, brake, turn signals)

[ ] Windshield washer fluid filled

[ ] Wiper blades not streaking

[ ] Phone charger and emergency contact numbers accessible

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Warning Lights — Quick Reference

| Light | Severity | Action | |-------|----------|--------| | Check engine (steady) | Medium | Safe to drive, diagnose within days | | Check engine (flashing) | Critical | Stop driving, call tow | | Oil pressure | Critical | Stop immediately, check oil level | | Temperature/coolant | Critical | Pull over, let engine cool, check coolant | | Battery | Medium | Drive to shop, may have 30-60 min before stall | | ABS | Low | Brakes work, but ABS disabled — drive carefully | | Tire pressure | Low | Check and inflate soon |

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Cost Sanity Check

Before approving any repair, verify the quote: 1. Get the exact repair name (not "fix the engine") 2. Search "[repair name] + [car model] + cost" for typical range 3. Labor: $80-150/hr is normal; over $200/hr is premium/dealer 4. If quote is 50%+ above average, get a second opinion

Common repairs (USD):

Oil change: $30-75

Brake pads (pair): $150-300 installed

Battery replacement: $150-250

Alternator: $400-600

Timing belt: $500-1000

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Fuel Efficiency Tips

Optimal highway speed: 55-65 mph (above 65, efficiency drops ~15%)

Tire pressure: check monthly, underinflation costs 0.2% per PSI

AC vs windows: AC more efficient above 45 mph

Remove roof racks when not in use (5% drag penalty)

Avoid idling more than 30 seconds

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When to Load More

| Situation | Reference | |-----------|-----------| | Buying new or used, financing, negotiation | buying.md | | Maintenance schedules, DIY repairs, diagnostics | maintenance.md | | Accidents, breakdowns, insurance claims | emergencies.md |