Your car is a huge investment you have to care for. Perhaps you’re not sure if you know enough about cars, but are willing to learn. This article is the place to start.
You need to know about all costs before handing your keys over. Ask any questions you have about the service before they start work on the car. You probably don’t want to incur extra charges after the car has been repaired.
Keep a good battery charger in your car. The problem of a low or dead battery is very common, and if you keep a charger in your car you can assist other drivers with the problem. Learn how to connect your car to the batter charger.
You do not have to contact a mechanic every time your car has problems. There are several things that can be fixed quite easily. It’s possible to find the information you need online. If it’s easy, you can repair the problem yourself, and save money too.
If you are considering working with a new auto repair shop, ask the mechanic if they are experienced in working with your specific vehicle. This will give you a better idea of their experience and the skills that they bring to the table.
Ensure you regularly inspect your radiator. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water before putting it in the radiator.
See if you can find reviews about the body shop of your choice on the Internet. The Internet is a great resource to find out how people really feel about a certain garage. This information can be used to locate an auto repair shop that you feel is well suited to your needs.
Never neglect your windshield wiper blades. If you don’t have wipers that work well or streak your windows, you need to purchase newer ones. You should replace them yearly, but you may need to do it twice a year if you are located in a rainy area.
Prior to handing over your keys, be sure you have a good idea of the repair cost. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. You don’t want to get the car back, only to be shocked at how much the repairs cost you.
Think about using a mechanic who works from home. As long as they have experience they can do the same work but they often charge far less for the labor. It can be hundreds of bucks less expensive. Plus, you are supporting an independent local business person.
Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. If you have questions on the service, pose them immediately. You should understand how you are billed by your mechanic. Some shops will give an estimate on the repair time based on manufacturers guidelines. Some minor repairs might be considered as an all day job by some manufacturers.
Make sure you are receiving OEM parts. These are original manufacturer parts. While generic parts may be cheaper, you’ll never know how good the quality is. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.
Pay attention to all of the lights that flash in the dashboard, and make sure that you understand what each of them mean. They are there for a warning so it is to your benefit to be aware of what they are warning you about. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.
In the winter, you still need to wash your car. Although you may think there is no point to it, your car is more likely to get damaged in the winter. Rust and abrasion can occur from the particles flying around in the air. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.
Be on the lookout for clear indications that a mechanic is not the right one for the job. If you’re receiving double-talk when you ask them a question, they are probably not the mechanic for you. You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.
No matter what a mechanic tells you, be aware that flushing your engine is an exceptional procedure. It is definitely not part of your car’s ordinary, routine maintenance. Sometimes, a technician will try to pressure you into paying more money than you should.
Bleed your brakes before taking your car out on a test drive after servicing has been done. Then pump out the brake fluid. Test it for leaks to ensure that no fluid can run out. You should then be ready for test driving on a road that lacks tons of traffic. Be slow when you start so you’re sure of whether or not the repair worked.
Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Modern cars come equipped with them already. The cost of a tow for a flat isn’t worth it! It is much easier and inexpensive to do it yourself.
As this article said to you before, you really must be sure to take care of your vehicle. Just by learning some basic auto repair tricks, you can save lots of money. Use what you have learned here the next time you find your car behaving strangely.