If your car suffers a breakdown, you need to get it running ASAP. You can’t get to where you need to go is you car is not running properly. Keep in mind that it doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg to have repairs done. There are quite a few repairs you can do by yourself if you need to.
You don’t always need a repair-person for your car troubles. Some repairs are easy to make. If you are game, then check online to research the problem. You can save a lot by doing small repairs yourself.
Find an ASE certified mechanic if you need some repairs. This type of certification means two years experience and also a passed written test. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.
You need a spare tire and jack with you all the time. Most new cars come with them. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. It is simpler and cheaper to do the work yourself.
Get together a kit for car repairs that you can keep in your vehicle. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. Don’t get cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that will not break as you perform repairs on your vehicle.
Be careful that your mechanic does not attempt to perform unneeded repairs. Good mechanics will tell you about worn down pieces without replacing them automatically. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.
Wiper Blades
You don’t want to neglect the wiper blades on your vehicle. If you notice your wiper blades leaving streaks on your windshield, or they chatter, then it is time to obtain new blades. You should replace wiper blades at least once a year or more often if you live in an area where rain is commonplace or if you notice your wiper blades are worn out.
If your headlights look dimmer than they used to, be sure they’re clean. Headlights often accumulate grime and other debris during normal use. Use a quality glass cleaning product and improve the situation dramatically.
Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. Personal recommendations are usually honest and forthright. You’ll still need to do some investigating. Online reviews can give you a quick overview of anyone that you have in mind.
Inquire about labor rates and overall cost before handing your keys to the mechanic. There are many unscrupulous mechanics who are not upfront about their costs and policies. Since it’s your car, you have to know the cost of repairs. Shops also often give you estimated repair costs and times. A manufacturer may consider a relatively minor repair to be an all day job.
Make a DIY kit to store in the trunk to help you in times of need. The tools you need include tire changing equipment, which usually come with a car. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. You should have a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches. Do not waste money by getting cheap tools. Invest in high-quality tools that you will own forever.
Know when it is time to change your oil, an important car maintenance task. The oil should be replaced after so many miles, and it is important that you keep track. Neglecting this part of your car can reduce the lifespan of your car.
A daring do-it-yourself approach isn’t always the best idea. Always have a buddy to help you. Buy only the highest quality tools that will last and not break under pressure. This is the case especially when you are investing in equipment to change your tires. Also, buy a strong jack in case you need to prop your car up in an emergency. Approved jack stands, working in conjunction with a high quality hydraulic floor jack, are the best tools for tire changes.
Replace your light bulbs on your own. Hiring a professional to install new lights costs a lot of money. See if someone you know can tell you how it’s done.
When you fill your car with gas, check tire pressure. Make sure that your tires are not punctured in any way. In the event that you detect a problem, you can have it repaired before you have a blowout. It’s dangerous to drive on faulty tires.
If you’re short on cash, the repair department in vocational schools may offer you service at a fraction of the cost. You will pay much less for your repairs and will help students who are under the watchful eye of their qualified instructor.
Consider finding someone who repairs cars in their own garage. For basic repairs they can charge far less and you both can be happy. This can help the home mechanic out and save you a lot of money over the charges of bigger repair shops.
Do not believe a mechanic who tells you it is necessary to get your engine flushed to maintain your car. This is a pretty expensive service and you do not really need it unless you have been doing things that have been particularly bad on your engine, like failing to change your oil regularly.
Don’t fall prey to believing someone who tells you there is a lifetime guarantee for auto parts. This may simply be a money making racket. As an example, some vehicles come with transmission fluid marked as “lifetime”. It does not last a lifetime and has to be changed every 80k miles.
Always shop around and get a second opinion before paying for an expensive repair. Many shops display a list of their rates, so make sure you understand everything involved in their billing practices. You must be able to tell how the repairs are being billed to you. A lot of places will give you an estimate of how long this will take that they were given by various manufacturers. Some “Minor” repairs could take all day if they go by those manufacturers’ established times.
If you notice a dangerous defect on a new vehicle, get in touch with its manufacturer. It is possible that there was a recall you didn’t know about. Manufacturers will often fix the car in these cases.
It is possible to put oil in your car and refill windshield wiper fluid yourself. It is a myth that only professional auto mechanics can do routine maintenance jobs. Don’t be afraid to get dirty hands with your new found knowledge.
Do not forget that fixing your car yourself comes with some dangers. Always have somebody nearby to help you just in case of an emergency. Only invest in the best tools available. This is very important for the tools that you use to change your tires. Keep in mind that the jack must hold the car up securely, particularly if you’re under it. This is the reason why you should use a reliable hydraulic floor jack equipped with the right jack stands.
Solving your car’s issues can be very simple if you educate yourself on your vehicle. A lot of the time your problems can be solved when you’re at home. Use what you have learned here to get your vehicle back on the highway again.