You probably think of your vehicle as one of the best things in your life because you need it to to go places. Maybe you don’t know much about cars and want to learn. Look through this article to learn how to perform maintenance on your car.
Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. You need tools to change a flat tire, charge a battery, and you must have spare gas. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. You should put together a kit that includes the tools you need to change a tire, charge your battery and put more gas in your tank. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Be sure to ask lots of questions when taking your car to an auto repair service. Your questions should focus on issues that your vehicle has, as well as what you can do in the future to prevent them from occurring again. Engaging in preventative measures will likely save you money down the line.
Regularly check your radiator. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.
Monitor your radiator. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check how much fluid is in the radiator with a dipstick and keep in mind that you should always mix coolant with water before pouring it in your radiator.
Before allowing an auto shop to do repairs to your vehicle, ensure you are aware of the total cost. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. You don’t want to get the car back, only to be shocked at how much the repairs cost you.
Keep a record of every car repair. Having detailed records will be useful if you need to perform more repairs on your vehicle. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.
You do not have to contact a mechanic every time your car has problems. Many things can be easily fixed. If you would like to try it, you can research on the problem online. If the repair is not difficult, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money.
Use the Internet to search for local auto body shop reviews. This lets you know how other customers have felt. This can play a big part in the shop you eventually choose to do your car repair work.
Do not let mechanics do repairs that are not warranted on your car. A mechanic that is good will notify you of parts that show signs of deterioration and will soon need replacement, but they shouldn’t replace it without having your approval. Never bring your car to someone who doesn’t do the right kinds of repairs.
You must keep good track of all your car records. You want these with you when you go to get repairs done; a great place to store them is the glove compartment. Mechanics may want to see these records. This will help to diagnose any problems.
Before having repairs, see if you can diagnose the problem. If you know what the problem is, you can save money and also easily identify any repair shop that is trying to scam you. Unfortunately, some shops are less than honest when diagnosing issues.
Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. If you purchase a new car, you should have these in your trunk. You don’t need to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and need to pay a lot for towing. Changing your tire is a simple process that can save you an expensive visit from an auto service club.
Always keep a record of any maintenance done to your car. Having detailed records will be useful if you need to perform more repairs on your vehicle. If you don’t have these records, you could pay lots more money and it can be harder to figure out where the issues is.
Wiper Blades
Never neglect your windshield wiper blades. If the wipers are streaking, you may need a replacement. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate.
Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. These parts come from the manufacturer of your car. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.
Educate yourself on the basics of car repairs and warranties before going to the mechanic. There are several classifications. These include “new”, “re-manufactured, rebuilt, and reconditioned”, and “salvaged.” Parts that are new are recently created to fit manufacturer specifications. Refurbished or rebuilt parts means that these parts have been restored. If a used part is designated as “salvage,” it has not been reconditioned.
If your car has been having a small problem that you think is minor, it may be a good idea to have it checked out anyway. Small issues can often turn into larger ones.
Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. If you have trouble getting a straight answer out of them, (or if, even worse, they refuse to answer questions to your satisfaction) they probably aren’t the kind of people you want to work with. Having a mechanic you can trust is extremely important; don’t waste your time with one who can’t make you confident in his skills.
Sometimes a mechanic will recommend you do an engine flush, but this is not usually a required maintenance procedure. Sometimes, a technician will try to pressure you into paying more money than you should.
You should not purchase a part from someone who claims the part will last you a lifetime. This is often just a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from vulnerable consumers. For example, there are cars that are sold with “lifetime” radiator fluid. It is true that this fluid does not need as much maintenance as other fluids in your vehicle, but you will still have to replace it after 80,000 miles.
Always get a second opinion, a reputable mechanic will not be offended because he knows his diagnosis will be confirmed. Do not pay extra money for a service that can be performed at a fraction of the cost. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle’s make. There’s a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.
Simple things, like adding windshield wiping fluid or oil, is something that you can do yourself. It’s a falsehood that only mechanics are qualified to perform routine maintenance. Make sure you understand what has to be done, and then get ready to get down and dirty.
Going to the dealership can be costly, however it is usually the best option. These mechanics are well-versed in repairing your make of vehicle. They can pinpoint the problem quickly and are trained to fix problems common to your model. These mechanics regularly receive additional training.
Never forget about your wiper blades. If your windshield wipers are no longer keeping the rain off your windshield, or if they make noise or leave streaks, it is time to replace them. Blades ought to be replaced annually or even more often than that in rainy regions.
When your car is being worked on, it may be a good idea to set a limit to how much work can be done before getting authorization from you. Never let the repairs go ahead without your approval. Tell the mechanic to give you a call if the repairs will exceed a certain dollar amount. They will know you are watching closely then.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to take good care of your vehicle. Learning simple maintenance techniques will help you save money. Use what you have learned here the next time you find your car behaving strangely.
Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. There are many unscrupulous mechanics who are not upfront about their costs and policies. Since it’s your car, you have to know the cost of repairs. Some service shops have estimated times for repair, establish by the manufacturers. You may find that a repair that is deemed minor may take all day.