Your car may be your most valuable possession, because you need it to travel to every place you go to. Because your car is so important to you, you need to learn as much about it as you can. This article is intended to help provide a little more confidence in your abilities and teach you the basics of simple auto-maintenance.
Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. 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. Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded.
Do not be afraid to ask lots of questions whenever you take your vehicle to the auto shop. 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. You can save a lot of money when you know how to prevent problems.
Be sure to wash your car often so as to prevent rust. Eventually cars rust, but it can be delayed by washing off chemicals and salt as soon as you can. Make sure you regularly wax your car so that you protect the paint.
When taking your car to the auto shop, make sure you haven’t left any items in it. 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 the trunk too.
A record of maintenance and repairs should be in your car. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. The mechanics who work on your car will need to see your maintenance records before working on your car. The records can help them determine what is wrong with your car.
Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. Most new cars come with them. Having these items will allow you to change a tire and get back on the road quickly, which is helpful when you are stuck in a dangerous location. It is simpler and cheaper to handle it on your own.
Speak with friends and family about where they get their auto repairs done for some good ideas. Your loved ones might have some good recommendations for you to check out. Still do your homework on whoever they mention. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.
Keep a repair kit in the car at all times. Make sure you have something to change a tire. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. Basic tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, socket wrenches, torque wrench and other basic tools are also handy to have. Never skimp when buying tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.
Learn to recognize the different warning lights on your dashboard. These lights can let you know when something is wrong with your car. Problems will worsen if you simply ignore them.
Change your oil at least once every couple of months to stay safe. This will ensure that your car is running at its optimum performance. When you skip an oil change, your car’s life is shortened.
If you have to have a big repair done, get multiple estimates. It will help you find the best price available from a trustworthy mechanic. Look for mechanics that know the ins and outs of your car. Shops like these understand your car through and through.
Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. There are a variety of mechanics and auto shops on offer for you to chose from. If you feel comfortable with someone, use them.
You should know things about the inner workings of a vehicle before taking your car to the mechanic. There are three conditions: salvage, new, and rebuilt and re-manufactured. “New” means the part was made to the manufacturer’s specs, by the maker or by an independent retailer. Refurbished or reconditioned parts ate those that have been restored to working condition. If a used part is designated as “salvage,” it has not been reconditioned.
You do not have to have repairs done at the auto dealer. There are several reputable technicians in auto shops and at dealerships. If you’re comfortable with a tech, use him or her.
It is important to get a warranty on your car when it gets repaired. This is even more important if the parts put in are pricy. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for you. Ask how long it lasts, and request a physical copy of the contract.
If you’re having trouble coming up with money and need auto repair, call a vocational school to see if they offer this service. You’ll pay much less for having students do work on your vehicle under a licensed mechanic’s supervision.
Keep in mind that it’s not always safe to do some auto repairs. Never work on your own vehicle without having someone close by. You never know when an emergency may occur. Invest some money in tools that are high quality to ensure good performance. You will need these in case you ever have a flat tire. Remember that your jack needs to hold your car up very securely, especially if you are going to be underneath the car. Therefore, it is vital to purchase a hydraulic jack with strong stands.
Bleed your brakes after fixing them. Once done, give the brake fluid a pump. You are trying to find leaks in your device to make sure there are no problems. You should then be ready to take your car for a spin down less-busy roads. Don’t drive too fast at first to make sure everything is working properly.
If your car is new, contact the dealer who sold it to you if you find a serious safety concern. It’s possible there’s been a recall on that car, and you might not be the only one having the problem. Many times, the manufacturer will repair it for you.
Find out a little about the car parts you need before you go to a mechanic. There are several classifications. These include “new”, “re-manufactured, rebuilt, and reconditioned”, and “salvaged.” “New” means the part was made to the manufacturer’s specs, by the maker or by an independent retailer. Rebuilt or reconditioned parts are basically ones that have been restored and now are working well. Salvage parts are parts that are used and have never been altered.
Listen to all of the sounds made by your vehicle. The type of noise can be an indicator of what is wrong with your car. Accurately describing the sound you hear to your mechanic can save you money when it comes to diagnosing the problem.
When you find a reputable shop, stay with them if you need mechanical work done in the future. Building a relationship with your mechanic is a great way to guarantee that all work will be done well. Because you are a repeat customer, you might get some kind of discount.
Verify your mechanic’s certifications. Research to learn if they have been approved by the NIAE. It says the mechanic knows his stuff.
You should always care for your car. By learning the simplest maintenance, such as performing your own oil changes, you can save a lot of cash. Use the tips here and keep them in mind when your car acts strangely or you are worried about a minor problem with your car.