Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and not knowing anything about auto repair will just make that investment more expensive. It is important to familiarize yourself with your car and learn more about simple methods you can use to fix small problems. Continue reading for some great tips to save money and time.
You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. There are several things that can be fixed quite easily. If you would like to try it, you can research on the problem online. It’s not too hard to do, and you’ll be able to get money saved back to start repairing things.
Keep a record when your car is fixed or maintained. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. No records means a blank slate to go on.
Before dropping your car off for repairs, remove any valuables. The mechanic may need to remove these items in order to do their job, and they are not responsible if you find out later that something is missing. Empty both the trunk and glove compartment.
Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. They can help point you in the right direction if so. You’ll still need to do some investigating. If you don’t have a lot of time, take a minute to look online.
Repairing your car yourself could be hazardous. Be sure someone is watching you repair the vehicle just in case something bad happens. Buy tools that are of a good quality so they’re not going to break when you use them. This is particularly true with tire changing tools. Remember that you need a jack that can hold the vehicle up especially when you need to get under it. A hydraulic floor jack featuring approved stands is best for these situations.
Avoid diagnosing your own car problems. Don’t forget, you’re not the expert! It could seem simple, but it may be a complex issue. This is particularly true in new computerized vehicles. Leave the diagnosing to your auto repair shop. Give your mechanic plenty of details on the issues you are encountering but do not diagnose the issue yourself.
It is important to check your warranty when you are having your car repaired, especially if you need very expensive parts. When you are getting car repairs, ask about warranties on parts. See how long that warranty lasts and get a printed copy of that contract to review it.
Check if the mechanic is certified. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. This also will help you feel confident that the quality of your repair will be up to par.
There are some sketchy mechanics that will take your tires and put old ones on your car. They usually do this to make a quick buck from you. Therefore, always put a little chalk on them so you can identify your tires. If the marks are gone, talk to the mechanic.
Few people take the time to go over the manual that comes with their vehicle. You should read your manual all the way through at least once. You can learn a lot about preventative maintenance and small repairs in your manual.
OEM also known as original equipment manufacturer. Remember this when you have car parts replaced. If you walk in and tell the mechanic that you want OEM parts, you will sound knowledgeable. There will be far less danger of receiving used parts.
A dealer’s mechanic is an expensive option, but it is sometimes necessary to go through your dealership. Dealer technicians are specialized in your car’s model. They can diagnose problems quickly and are well trained for issues common to your car’s make. There are many training programs that they have to pass to become certified.
All auto repair receipts you have should be kept and filed. You can sort them chronologically or by service repair type. This complete set of records will be very helpful for anyone working on your car. It also helps if you have a dispute with maintenance, you will have all your receipts in one place. Keeping these resources organized will also help you keep track of just how much car maintenance is costing you over time.
As stated in the opening of this article, learning basic auto repair can have several benefits in the long run. You can teach others repair techniques and perform repairs on your own car to save money. So keep these tips handy, and next time, you will be able to repair your car yourself.