Your car is a huge investment you have to care for. You might not know too much about cars, but want to become better educated on their care and repair. If that is so, continue reading to learn more about automobile maintenance.
Do not let a mechanic work on your vehicle unless they are A.S.E. certified. They have passed tests and have at least two years experience under their hat. This will let you know that the best possible person is working on your automobile.
Never underestimate how important it is to carrying an emergency kit inside your vehicle. Assemble a kit that has tools for changing tires, charging the battery and putting more gas in the car. You may also want to add some batteries, a flashlight and a few blankets in the event that you break down at night.
Don’t sign anything until you know the total cost of repairs. If you don’t understand something, talk to the mechanic first. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.
You don’t always need a mechanic when you have trouble with your car. Many things are able to be fixed easily. If you want to take a chance, you can go online and do some research to pinpoint what the problem is. When it’s a simple fix, do it yourself!
Prior to giving your car to a shop, know the costs of repairs. If you are unclear about certain things, clarification is needed before repairs are started. You don’t want to be hit with unexpected charges after the repairs are done.
Check out reviews about body shops online. These reviews will inform you of the company’s quality, customer service satisfaction rates, etc. This information can then be used to get with a shop that makes you comfortable.
Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. They should contact you before doing any extra work. If an auto technician performs unnecessary repairs or repairs that were not agreed upon beforehand, don’t return to them for further services.
See if the prospective mechanic has experience with your type of car. If so, they will probably know what must be done to help your car work again.
Watch out for obvious warning signs that a repair person is not up to snuff. If they do not answer you directly, you may want to find someone else. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.
Ask for labor rates or prices before hiring a mechanic. 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. Make sure that you know exactly how you are going to be billed. They may be from a manual written by the car’s manufacturer. A manufacturer may consider a relatively minor repair to be an all day job.
Request OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it’s impossible to know whether or not they’ll hold up as well as OEM parts. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.
You do not necessarily have to go through your dealership if repairs are needed. There are a variety of mechanics and auto shops on offer for you to chose from. If you’re comfortable with a tech, use him or her.
Doing vehicle repairs yourself can also be rather risky. Always have a buddy nearby that can assist you if there is an emergency. Purchase good quality tools that you do not have to worry about breaking. Nowhere is this more applicable than with the items you use to change a tire. The jack needs to be reliable so you are safe when you go under the car. Err on the side of caution with a hydraulic floor jack, specifically one that has safety-tested and approved stands.
Has your mechanic worked on your model of vehicle before? Basic components are usually the same, but there are big differences in different types of cars. If you are unsure, pay the extra to have a dealer do the repairs.
Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Most shops would not strip your car, but there are those who do this to make extra money. The appearance of your vehicle needs to be documented in case something bad happens.
When having repairs on your car, it is important to keep warranties in mind, especially when purchasing costly components. Talk to your repairman about the warranty parts come with. Inquire as to how long it is for and get a printed copy.
Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Many newer cars already have them. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere and get stuck paying a lot for a tow. You can save a lot of money by performing tasks yourself.
Verify your mechanic’s certifications. The NIAE seal of approval is a good sign. You will get better service if you go to a mechanic who has been approved by this organization.
If money is especially tight and you are desperate to get your car repaired, consider contacting the auto repair department of your local vocational school. You’ll get a deep discount for letting students fix your car under the watchful eye of a certified mechanic.
Monitor your dashboard lights regularly. They’re there for a reason. When you ignore them, you’ll pay for it.
Sometimes a mechanic will recommend you do an engine flush, but this is not usually a required maintenance procedure. This is an expensive service that is unnecessary unless your car has been neglected, such as not receiving regular oil changes.
Not many people look at their car’s manual. It’s a good idea to look through it and remember where important information is located. This manual provides you with lots of useful information on maintaining and making small repairs to your vehicle on your own.
Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If you see something amiss, get it fixed as soon as possible. Driving with faulty tires is extremely dangerous.
When your mechanic provides a quote over two hundred dollars, you should obtain a written estimate. You may want to file a formal complaint, and the written quote can be proof. An unscrupulous mechanic is less likely to alter your estimate after the fact, when you each have an original copy.
As stated earlier, it is important for you to take care of your vehicle. Simple maintenance can help you avoid the mechanic and save you money. Use what you have learned here the next time you find your car behaving strangely.
Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Most auto shops are totally reputable, but there’s always an exception that may consider stripping some things from your car. You need to be able to document the original damages done to your vehicle in case your mechanic fails to fix them or makes things worse.