Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and not knowing anything about auto repair will just make that investment more expensive. Besides getting to know all you can about your car’s make and model, there are other things that you are able to learn as well. Keep reading to save money and time later.
Always ask lots of questions at the shop where you are getting your car repaired. What will they do to fix it? What is the problem? One of the best ways to save on car maintenance is to prevent problems in the first place. A little money spent for prevention can save thousands in the future.
Keep a good battery charger in your car. People commonly experience dead batteries, making battery chargers good for helping stranded drivers. Before you drive again, figure out how to use it properly.
Inspect your radiator once in a while. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Don’t open your radiator if your car is running. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.
Do you understand what the estimated cost for your fix is? If you are unclear about certain things, clarification is needed before repairs are started. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.
You don’t always have to take your car to the shop when there is an issue. There are a few things that could be fixed very easily. It’s possible to find the information you need online. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.
Do not hire a mechanic until you are sure they have experience with this particular make and model. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.
You should have basic tools in your car at all times. You will want to have the tools necessary to change a tire, and they likely came with the vehicle. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. You need both types of screw drivers, a ratchet set, torque wrench, and socket wrenches. You should not have cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that don’t break in the middle of a critical repair.
It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. Ask the people you know for their recommendations. This lets you ask them about their experiences with that mechanic, how much it cost, and if they were satisfied. People will let you know how their experience went.
As previously stated, the more you know about the basics of vehicle maintenance and repair, the better off you will be. In addition to being able to help others and yourself, you can save money. When performing do-it-yourself auto repairs, make use of these tips.