Like most folks, you probably don’t know a whole lot about auto repair. That’s why you need to become actuated on it so that you can fix issues as they arise. Read on for some great tips that will aid you in this endeavor.
Get a reliable battery charger and be sure it is always in your car. Dead batteries are a very common problem for all car owners. Not only will you be able to charge up your battery, you can also help others whose battery has broken down. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.
Make sure that you have car records on file. One good place to keep them is in a folder in the trunk right above your spare tire. Professional mechanics are going to ask for those records. They can find problems much quicker that way.
Do an online search of reviews about your local automotive repair shop. This will let you know how others feel about the services they provide. This information can then be used to get with a shop that makes you comfortable.
Be wary of unscrupulous mechanics who make unnecessary repairs to your vehicle. Good mechanics will inform you of parts wearing down that need replaced soon, but they won’t replace them without getting your approval first. Don’t trust a mechanic who has done repairs without asking.
When bringing your car to a mechanic, tell them you want OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.
Remove valuable things from your car prior to taking it in to get fixed. Your personal items can get in the mechanics way, and they may have to move them. You want to remove items from your trunk also.
Before you bring your car to a repair shop, try to determine what is wrong with your car. You can save a lot of money by diagnosing it yourself, and it could also protect you from being a victim of fraud. Unreliable mechanics might lie about the issue so they can charge you for additional repairs.
Bad News
If there are two tools all cars should have, it is a jack and lug-nut wrench. With that, you also need an extra tire. New cars often come with a kit you can use to change a tire. Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire is bad news. Stuck without a jack and spare tire is bad news and a big bill. Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.
Never go with the first estimate you receive. It will help you find the best price available from a trustworthy mechanic. Search for an auto repair shop that specializes in repairing the make of vehicle you have. Such shops have a greater chance of knowing how to fix your car.
Do not hand the keys over until you have talked both price and the rates for labor. Some shops have their rates in conspicuous places, so read carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something. You need to understand how and why you are being billed for your car repairs. Are the repair times established? Even a minor job might take all day.
Every time you get gas, you should also check the pressure of your tires. Check for foreign debris that may be embedded in your tires too. If you notice any issues, address them immediately. You do not want to risk driving around with faulty tires.
Don’t buy any parts that come with a promise of lasting a lifetime. This is often just a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from vulnerable consumers. For example, you can find cars that come equipped with “lifetime” fluid in their transmission. This does not mean you never have to change your fluids. They should still be changed at least every 80,000 miles.
Test Drive
Once you have worked on the brakes, you should bleed them before you go out on a test drive. Once done, give the brake fluid a pump. Look for leaks and make sure the fluid will not run out. Now you can give the car a test drive when there is little traffic. Start your drive out at a slow pace and once everything is certain to be in working order, kick the speed up a notch or two.
Have you ever wondered what OEM means? These initials mean Original Equipment Manufacturer. When having replacement parts installed on your vehicle, you might want keep this information in mind. If you ask for OEM parts, it will look like you know what you’re talking about. This could very well prevent someone from outfitting your car with old parts.
Consistency is key in the auto repair world. Stick with a shop that has gained your trust instead of going around to various ones for work. Not all shops will give your car the same diagnosis for it’s problems. Sometimes you might be charged more for the repairs, and this isn’t good.
After reading this article, you now understand a bit more about the world of automotive repair. If you are not able to fix the problem yourself, you should at least be better at picking a good mechanic. Your car should always run properly.