It can be pricey to have a car repaired. You have the expense of both the needed parts and finding a mechanic to make the repairs. Don’t you want to save some money and repair it yourself. The advice in this article will teach you how.
Ask many questions about your car when you bring it in for repairs. Make sure that you are specific with your questions when you pose them. If you prevent issues from happening, you can save money on repairs.
Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This certification guarantees that the mechanic has been tested and has more than two years of experience. This tells you that the mechanic is qualified to work on your car.
Regularly check your radiator’s performance. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Don’t open your radiator cap if your car is on. Check the amount of fluid in your radiator with your dipstick and remember to mix the coolant with some water.
Before giving your car keys to the service department, make sure you know what the cost for the repair will be. If something is unclear, have the mechanic or service counter rep clarify it for you before any work is done on the car. You want to avoid being surprised with additional charges once the car is fixed.
Do not pay an auto mechanic until you have test driven your car to be sure they did their job. Many people fail to do this and they end up having the same problem that they had before taking the car in to get it repaired.
Clean you car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty. Although all cars rust at some point in time, it is possible to delay this from occurring by washing off salt and chemicals immediately. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.
Keep all of your car records handy. Put these records in the glove compartment in your car for easy access. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. This will facilitate quicker diagnostic processes.
Remember that getting OEM parts is important. OEM parts are parts that are made by the manufacturer. It may be cheaper to take generic parts, but there’s no knowing the true quality of those parts over the many years to come. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.
Every time your car is repaired, regardless of how minor the problem was, make sure you keep a record. If your car ends up with more problems later on, your mechanic will appreciate having access to your past records. The records can help the mechanic determine the problem.
Check online for reviews of local mechanics. This can give you a good idea about how the public feels and what experience you might have yourself. It will allow you to find a shop that has everything you’re looking for.
Look out for signs that your mechanic isn’t very good. If they are talking in circles and avoiding your questions, you should take your business elsewhere. If your gut feeling is that you don’t quite trust your mechanic, keep looking for one who inspires confidence in you and helps you understand the problems with your car.
OEM parts should be asked for. OEM parts means that part was produced by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model of vehicle. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.
A spare tire and a jack need to be in your vehicle all of the time. Most of the new cars of today have them in the trunk. Having these items will allow you to change a tire and get back on the road quickly, which is helpful when you are stuck in a dangerous location. It’s less of a headache and cheaper to do it by yourself.
Attempt to self-diagnose ahead of going to a garage. You can save a lot of money by diagnosing it yourself, and it could also protect you from being a victim of fraud. As you have probably heard, there are mechanics out there that will be dishonest so they can charge you more money.
Never forget about your wiper blades. If the wipers are streaking, you may need a replacement. You should replace them yearly, but you may need to do it twice a year if you are located in a rainy area.
You should not have a lot of heavy items on your keychain. Your car ignition shouldn’t have to hold so much weight. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.
Verify that a prospective mechanic is familiar with your specific car. While all cars have the same basic components, there are big differences as to how they are attached and located under the hood. If you are not sure, spend the extra money and go to an authorized dealer.
There is no real benefit to getting repairs done at the dealer. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. If you find one you like, you should hire him.
Take pictures of your car before dropping it off at the mechanic to ensure that it doesn’t not receive damage while in the shop, Some unethical shops may strip parts off your vehicle and resell them. Should something bad happen, it is helpful to have images of what your car looks like.
Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. You should have basic tools such as equipment to change a tire, fix a flat, add oil and a gallon of water. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. You may ask want to get a variety of screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches and the like. Never buy really cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that will not break as you perform repairs on your vehicle.
Most cars will require repairs eventually. You don’t have to worry about working with mechanics every time, however. The money you save could be used to pay for parts when you do your own repairs. Use the tips here to determine when you can fix your car yourself, or whether or not you should call a mechanic.