Your car does a lot for you each day. Perhaps you’re not sure if you know enough about cars, but are willing to learn. If that’s what you want, read on to learn about simple maintenance.
Regularly check out your radiator. Start your car, wait a few minutes and shut it off so you can safely inspect the radiator. Never open your radiator if your vehicle is running. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water before putting it in the radiator.
Before paying your mechanic for any work done, make sure to take it for a short test drive first, to make sure everything is working as it should. If you don’t do this, you may not have the appropriate problem repaired.
Take all valuable items out of your vehicle before taking it in for repairs. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Clear out your trunk, too.
Look out for signs that your mechanic isn’t very good. If they avoid your questions, you may want to look elsewhere. It is good to feel like you trust your mechanic, so move on if you don’t feel like you can.
Keep washing your car throughout the winter. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. Pick a warmer day and dry the car completely before heading back onto the road.
A dealer isn’t your only option for auto repair. There are good mechanics all over that can fix your car. Whoever makes you feel most comfortable is the person who should be doing the car repairs.
Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Make sure there are no objects embedded in your tires at the same time. It is important to get your tires fixed right away if there is something wrong. You don’t want to have to drive around with bad tires.
Don’t try to diagnose and fix complex automotive issues. Keep in mind that you are not a professional. What can seem like it’s simple to fix may be a lot harder, especially if the vehicle is newer. Let the professionals diagnose your problem. Be knowledgeable about the details, but let the repair shop make the diagnosis.
Some shops steal your tires and use old tires to replace them! It is a profit racketeering tactic that is used to boost profits. Before going in, chalk tires in order to mark them. Look for the chalk when you pick up your car.
Don’t let a mechanic talk you into getting your car’s engine flushed when it doesn’t need it. This service is expensive, and unless you’ve failed to change the oil on time regularly or something similar, you are not in need of this service.
You should be consistent with where you get your car repaired. Stick to a trusted mechanic whom you have used before instead of going to multiple places for repairs. Not all shops will give your car the same diagnosis for it’s problems. They will provide different estimates, too.
When a mechanic gives you a diagnosis, don’t make a decision about repairs for a couple of hours. Call several other places to get quotes on the same work the original mechanic says you need. If another place can fix it cheaper, pay the first place their fee for the diagnostic and have your car fixed somewhere else.
Once you have paid a mechanic for replacing a part of your vehicle, ask him or her if you can keep the old part. If he cannot provide this, he may not have done anything with your car. This is a red flag that should be raised.
Any quote over $200 needs to be provided in writing. Should a problem occur, it will be easier to make a complaint when you have written proof. It also ensures that no extra fees can be added later.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your mechanic. There is no limit to the questions you can ask. How long is the repair going to take them? Ask about the kind of work done to your vehicle. What do the parts cost? Ask any other questions you have. This demonstrates your knowledge and gives you a base of data for future issues.
Ask someone you trust for referrals. Word of mouth is often the way to find the best one. This gives you much better chances than just picking one out of the blue.
As previously stated, taking proper care of a car is crucial. You can save yourself a good amount of money if you even just know simple maintenance. Use these tips and remember them next time your car is doing something strange or you have reason to worry.