The next time there is trouble with your car, why don’t you attempt to fix it yourself. These days, most people run to a mechanic no matter how small the problem is. Use the advice here to help you get started. You will save cash and feel good about your abilities.
Clean you car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Wax your car to keep paint in good condition, too.
Regularly check out your radiator. You need to allow your car to run for a couple of minutes, shut down the engine and then open up the hood. Do not open the radiator if the car is running. Check the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.
Keep a record when your car is fixed or maintained. This will help the technician when you get future repairs on your car. If you lack such records, you may end up paying more money for diagnostic work.
Request OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.
You don’t always need a repair-person for your car troubles. You can easily learn to perform small repairs yourself. Try troubleshooting the issue on the Internet or talk to your friends to see if they have an idea of what could be wrong with your vehicle. If it’s not hard to fix, try it yourself.
Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. There are certain specifics which he needs to know before doing any repairs. If you are not confident in a local mechanic, pay a little more to get an authorized dealer to work on the car.
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. They are extremely helpful if your car experiences a problem while you are out on the road and you don’t want to call a tow truck. It is cheaper and easier when you do it on your own.
Your car should be washed regularly so that rust doesn’t become a problem. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. A good wax can help you keep your paint job protected well.
Sometimes you can find a good mechanic who works in their home garage. If they have auto repair experience they can provide quality work, and they will usually charge you less for labor. It can be hundreds of bucks less expensive. Plus, you are supporting an independent local business person.
Speak with friends about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. You may have less of a search to do if they can give you the name of someone great. But make sure that you still do your research on anyone they mention. If you don’t have a lot of time, take a minute to look online.
Always keep records each time your car is repaired. This will help the technician when you get future repairs on your car. Your car problems may be harder to find and you may have higher repair costs without the records.
Do not use all kinds of extra key chains with your keys. This can help you drive safer and more secure. Particularly, if you notice that the key is hard to extract from the ignition, you need to make a change!
You should check the tire pressure when you go to the gas station. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If you notice problems, resolve them immediately. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.
Don’t leave anything of value in your car when it’s being repaired. The mechanic might have to remove certain items, and they won’t be liable if it goes missing. Also, remove everything from the trunk.
Take photos of your car ahead of a visit to the garage. Some unethical shops may strip parts off your vehicle and resell them. You should make sure you keep track of the way your vehicle is looking just in case something like this were to happen.
Never attempt to diagnose complicated car problems on your own. Don’t forget, you’re not the expert! What you may think is an easy fix may be a hard one, especially if your car is newer. Let repair shops diagnose your vehicle. Provide them with every detail of what happened and what was heard, but let them provide the final diagnosis.
Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Newer cars almost always have them. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.
Check to see that the technician is certified. There are automotive excellence awards given to technicians for consumers to be aware of. That shows the person has some credentials and has maintained certain standards, so you will likely receive better service.
Few people even open their car’s instruction manual. But, reading it can give you a lot of helpful information. It has important information about your car that you need to be aware of.
Don’t forget about your windshield wipers. If you notice your windshield wipers are not working properly, get new ones. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate.
Original Equipment Manufacturer is usually abbreviated as OEM. Remember this when you have need to have parts on your vehicle replaced. If you request OEM parts, the mechanic will see that you are knowledgeable. This tells the mechanic that you know what you’re talking about and don’t want used parts.
Get yourself an AAA membership. They will send out a tow truck if you break down and can help you find a reputable mechanic. A lot of the time you’ll see that AAA can help you with discounts so you don’t pay as much out of pocket.
Take off your keychains from your car keys to reduce the weight on your ignition. Ignitions are not meant to hold so much weight. Particularly, if you notice that the key is hard to extract from the ignition, you need to make a change!
Ask your mechanic if he can wait a few hours for you to think about getting your car fixed after getting a diagnosis and a quote. You can check with other mechanics, or do some research on the Internet to get a better idea of how much it should cost. If you can get the work done cheaper, bring your car elsewhere. Just be sure to pay the mechanic for the labor involved in the diagnosis.
Repairing your own vehicle can be quite the challenge. You will be successful if you take the time to learn more about auto repairs and go to a mechanic’s when you need to. Keep the above advice in mind, and you will have what it takes to succeed.
It is just as important to get your car washed in winter as it is in summer. While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.