Do you want to fix your own car? It might seem hard to fix a car, but it is rewarding when you can do it. You can save some money and make your car last longer. The tips below will help you understand the possibility of fixing your own car.
Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. Your kit should include jumper cables, tire changing tools and maybe some extra gas. For night time breakdowns, make sure to include warm blankets and a flashlight with extra batteries.
Get a good battery charger to keep in your vehicle. Dead batteries are common, and a good battery charger will come in handy more than once. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.
Look at the reviews of local auto shops online. These reviews will inform you of the company’s quality, customer service satisfaction rates, etc. Use this information to choose a shop that you’re comfortable with giving money to.
Ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.
Prior to giving your car to a shop, know the costs of repairs. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. You surely do not want unpleasant surprises when you go to get the car.
Never leave anything in your car when dropping it off for repairs. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Empty the trunk too.
Make sure your mechanic knows how to work on your make of vehicle. Yes, every car has an engine, a radiator, and a gas tank, but how they are built will vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.
Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. See if co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members have any recommendations. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. Their experiences can be a huge help.
Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. A majority of cars come equipped with them. This way you won’t get stuck anywhere and need to pay someone to tow you. It’s less of a headache and cheaper to do it by yourself.
Get multiple estimates if you’re in need of major service. Although shops usually can be trusted, you could end up having to pay extra money that you don’t have. Take your time and find a shop you feel you can trust. Also, look for someone who has experience with your type of car. These places probably have a better understanding of what you’re going to need done to your vehicle.
Before you pay for repairs, take the car out for a spin to make sure things are working as they should. Many people don’t do this, and the car ends up with the same issues that were supposed to be repaired.
You may want to get your car repaired by a person who does work out of their own garage. They may have learned through experience but still be competent, and are likely to have a lower labor rate. This can save you a lot of money and help out someone who may need it, instead of giving it to a big shop.
Be sure that you make a note of your oil change schedule. Oil has to be changed often for a car to perform properly. Not getting an oil change will only shorten the life of your vehicle, so make sure that you set some type of reminder.
Take out all of the valuable items in your car when it is being repaired. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Also, be sure to remove everything from the trunk.
Keep your car washed during the winter. Though it might seem futile, the winter months can cause lots of damage. Salt and sand lead to rust and abrasions. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.
Before you go somewhere to take care of your automobile problems, learn what you can about car-part classifications. Parts have classifications, including salvaged, new, and re-manufactured and reconditioned. New means that the parts were made to meet the standard manufacturer specifications by an independent retailer or the dealer themselves. Parts that are re-manufactured or rebuilt have been restored to perform like new. Salvaged parts have been used and have not been restored in any way.
If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Dirt and grease buildup can significantly dull your headlights. Clean your car’s headlights and taillights with a glass cleaner.
Repairing your car on your own shouldn’t be intimidating anymore. It may seem difficult at first, but once you learn more about it, it’s not that hard. Keep the information here in mind and refer back to it if needed. Car repairs will become a snap if you do.