Few things are as frustrating as having your car break down far away from home. Besides it just being hazardous, it can also be difficult to locate someone that’s going to be able to help you repair your vehicle. What makes a mechanic good? If not, these tips should help you handle car repair problems more competently in the future.
Ask all the questions you have at the shop. Ask about any problems you are having, and find out if there’s anything you can do to keep your care healthy. Preventing issues can save you a lot of money.
Get a good battery charger to keep in your vehicle. Dead batteries happen a lot, and you can provide assistance to others if you keep a charger on hand. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.
Prior to having your car repaired, ask how much you will have to pay. If you need clarification, ask the service advisor for additional information before repairs commence. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.
Before you pay for repairs, take the car out for a spin to make sure things are working as they should. A lot of people do not do this; therefore, they wind up with the same issues that existed before taking their car to the shop.
Check your coolant levels frequently. Let the car idle for a short period first, but only long enough to let the fluid circulate. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is running. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water before putting it in the radiator.
Look for the warning signs that your mechanic is not as competent as you might hope. If you are being talked to in circles and your questions aren’t answered, then you will want to go elsewhere. You need to trust a mechanic, and if you do not feel that trust, find another one.
A spare tire and a jack need to be in your vehicle all of the time. Newer cars almost always have them. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. You can save a lot of money by performing tasks yourself.
Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. OEM parts means that part was produced by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model of vehicle. Generic parts may cost less, but you cannot really tell if they are the best quality. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.
Get a second opinion on all major repairs. The shop you’ve gone to may be trying to rip you off. Take your time and find a shop you feel you can trust. Also, look for someone who has experience with your type of car. These mechanics will most likely be more experienced in fixing your kind of car.
Take off all of your keychain charms; just use your key. The ignition is not suited to that weight, even when you think it isn’t much. If your key starts sticking, you need to get new tumblers and no longer use that little troll head keychain!
See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.
Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. Some shops have these costs in conspicuous places, so you need to carefully read and ask any questions you have if something doesn’t make sense. Also find out how you are to be billed. Some stores are able to give you an estimate for how long they’ll keep your car. A lot of repairs that seem to be easy to fix could end up taking a whole day in some cases.
Find out a little about the car parts you need before you go to a mechanic. Parts can be new, rebuilt or reconditioned, or salvaged. New parts are just that: new. If you are offered parts that are reconditioned or rebuilt, this means that they have been re-manufactured so that they are like new. “Salvage” parts have been used without being improved or repaired.
Have a DIY kit for auto repair in your car at all times. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. If you lack a lug wrench and a jack, purchase both. Also have a few tools like a socket set, both a regular and Phillips head screwdriver, a crescent wrench and a torque wrench. Don’t waste your money by purchasing cheap tools. Get sturdy, quality tools that will not break on you.
It can be hard to find a high quality auto repair shop. The key is following the right advice and information that can ease the way. You will have an advantage if you know the right questions to ask and what to look out for. Keep this advice in mind if you have issues later.