If you don’t know anything about basic car care and maintenance you can end up unnecessarily wasting a lot of money on repair costs. It is important to familiarize yourself with your car and learn more about simple methods you can use to fix small problems. Keep reading if you wish to save money and time the next time you get an automobile repaired.
It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Look up your local body shop’s reviews online. This will speak volumes about their customer service abilities and their skill in solving issues. This information is useful as you search for the right shop for your needs.
Assemble repair tools and keep them in your car, so you are prepared at all times. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. A good lug wrench and jack are key. A Philips head as well as flat head screwdriver should be helpful, plus socket and adjustable wrenches. Never skimp when buying tools. Invest in quality tools that don’t break in the middle of a critical repair.
You may be able to replace the lights on your car yourself. Some vehicles make it easier to do, but it’s cheaper than getting a mechanic to do it. Ask a friend if they can show you how it should be done.
Your wiper blades should never be forgotten about. You need new windshield wipers if the ones you have are making noises and leaving streaks on the glass. Blades ought to be replaced annually or even more often than that in rainy regions.
Car Repair
Before you settle on a car repair business, talk to friends and family for recommendations. Your relatives or friends may be able to tell you what they recommend so you can locate service more easily. You’ll still need to do some investigating. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.
Be sure that you make a note of your oil change schedule. In order for your vehicle to run as well as possible, you need to have the oil changed regularly. Failing to get routine oil changes will shorten you car’s life, so set reminders if necessary.
Check the tire pressure each time you fill up on gas. Check for foreign debris that may be embedded in your tires too. It is important to get your tires fixed right away if there is something wrong. Don’t drive with bad tires on your car.
Before you take your car in to the shop, learn about the standard classifications for auto parts. Parts can be new, refurbished, or salvaged. New means that the parts were made to meet the standard manufacturer specifications by an independent retailer or the dealer themselves. Refurbished or rebuilt parts means that these parts have been restored. Salvage parts are parts that have been used and haven’t been altered.
Don’t ignore minor issues you car is having, hoping they will go away on their own. Have it looked at. Even small issues can lead to much larger ones.
Don’t try to diagnose and fix complex automotive issues. Don’t forget that you are not a repair wizard. Modern cars include complex computer systems, and problems that were simple in the past are no longer so easy to fix. Let the mechanics handle the diagnosis. Just tell them the symptoms you are experiencing, including noises or the “feel” of the car, but then let them do their job.
Most people do not read their owner’s manual. It is important to thoroughly read over this manual so that you can learn all you need about your vehicle. The manual has information related to keeping the vehicle maintained, as well as on how to make small repairs.
When a mechanic gives you a diagnosis, don’t make a decision about repairs for a couple of hours. This way you can call other dealerships and garages to verify that you are receiving the best price. If the price quoted is excessive, pay for the diagnosis and leave.
Keep track of all your vehicle repair and maintenance receipts in an accordion folder in your car. You can sort them chronologically or by service repair type. Whichever method you utilize, maintaining a record of the auto repairs you have will significantly help your mechanic whenever your vehicle needs more repairs. In addition, it will help you know if a certain repair did not live up to your expectations. When you sell you car, it can come in handy as well.
Get an estimate in writing when a mechanic provides you with a quote over $200. You may want to file a formal complaint, and the written quote can be proof. Also, the mechanic won’t be able to tack on additional expenses without talking to you first.
As stated in the opening of this article, learning basic auto repair can have several benefits in the long run. Teach others what you know, and do not hesitate to go to a mechanic if you are not skilled enough to fix your problem. Utilize these tips the next time you need to do your own auto repairs.