Are you a car owner? If you do, it’s a certainty that you have had car troubles at some time. Finding a good auto repair shop can really test anyone’s limits. Luckily, this article will point you in the right direction when it comes to selecting a good repairer.
Get a reliable battery charger and be sure it is always in your car. Dead batteries are a common problem for many drivers. Additionally, having a charger with you will allow you to aid other motorists in similar need. Make sure you know how to connect the charger to your battery.
Mechanics should have ASE certification before you hire them. This certification lets you know that your mechanic has at least 2 years of experience and has passed a test. This tells you that the mechanic is qualified to work on your car.
Regularly check out your radiator. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the 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 the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.
Referrals will lead you to a great mechanic. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? This lets you ask them about their experiences with that mechanic, how much it cost, and if they were satisfied. They can let you know if they had a good experience and whether or not the mechanic was trustworthy and honest.
You absolutely need a good emergency kit inside your vehicle. This kit will include the necessary tools for successfully charging a battery, changing a tire and adding gas to your tank. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.
If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Greasy residue from a road can deposit on them sometimes and that dirt can reduce the light they’re putting out. Use glass cleaner to clean them, and you will notice a big difference.
Your wiper blades need TLC. You need new windshield wipers if the ones you have are making noises and leaving streaks on the glass. Try to replace these blades once a year so that you can drive safely in the rain.
Check your radiator often. Let the car run a couple minutes, shut your engine and open up your 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.
Don’t have a bunch of keychains on your keyring, or make sure you can remove your key when you need it. Ignitions are not meant to hold so much weight. Too much weight on your keychain can cause your key to stick.
Take multiple pictures of your car before taking it to a new shop. This will give you proof, if your vehicle happens to become damaged while in their care. Fight against this kind of scam by thoroughly documenting the condition of your car beforehand.
Make sure that you wash your car frequently to reduce rust and corrosion. Cars eventually rust, but you can put off the process by washing off chemicals or salt quickly. A good wax can help you keep your paint job protected well.
Even if the problem you are having seems minor to you, have it looked at by a professional. Sometimes, small problems that go unchecked will lead to bigger problems over time.
If you are living on a budget, but desperately need to repair your car, then get in touch with your vocational school’s auto repair department. You will pay much less for your repairs and will help students who are under the watchful eye of their qualified instructor.
Get a referral if you want to see a reputable mechanic. Ask the people you know and trust who they take their vehicles to. Ask about how much they paid, the quality of the repairs and the customer service. You’ll get a real feel for the experience and the honesty of the mechanic.
Do not believe claims that any auto part will last for a lifetime. A lot of the time they just say this so that they’re able to make more off of you. Some vehicles come with a “lifetime” fluid for your transmission. It does not last a lifetime and has to be changed every 80k miles.
A lot of people do not take their time to read through their vehicle’s manual when they have a problem. Go over this manual and mark the important pages that deal with information on maintaining your vehicle. Maintenance is key, but can only be done if you know what is required.
A record of maintenance and repairs should be in your car. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. They can find problems much quicker that way.
If you have bought a car and feel there is an issue that could harm you, speak with the manufacturer. You may find that there is already a manufacturer’s recall to fix this problem. If there is not yet a recall, your report of the problem may help lead to one. The manufacturer may even fix your car free of charge.
With so many shady auto repair services out there, it can be a nightmare finding one that has your best interest at heart. Make sure you implement the advice given in the article above the next time your car needs to be worked on. The right effort and investigation can really save you the struggle later on.
Use the Internet to search for local auto body shop reviews. This is a good way of getting an idea on what other customers think of the mechanic’s skills and customer service. Use this information to choose a shop that you’re comfortable with giving money to.