Your vehicle is likely one of the most valuable possessions that also provides you with transportation to work as well as other places. Because your car is so important to you, you need to learn as much about it as you can. If this sounds like you, then this article is going to teach you what to do if you need some simple maintenance done.
Invest in a quality battery charger and always keep it in your car. Dead batteries are a common occurrence and you’d be able to aid other drivers who have broken down. Locate the points the battery charger should be connected to so you can easily jump start your own vehicle.
Check your coolant levels frequently. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. Check your radiator fluid and remember to mix water with coolant before filling your radiator.
If you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop, arm yourself with information and ask questions. Be sure the questions involve the problems you are having with your car and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Prevention is a great way to save lots of money.
Check your coolant levels frequently. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is running. Look to see what the fluid level is (use a dipstick), and remember that coolant needs to have a bit of water added prior to entering your radiator.
It is important that you fully understand what all the charges will be upfront, before handing the mechanic your car keys. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. You probably don’t want to incur extra charges after the car has been repaired.
You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. You can fix some things easily. Have a look on the Internet and see if you can narrow down what the issue could be. If it’s easy, you can repair the problem yourself, and save money too.
Be sure to wash your car often so as to prevent rust. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. A good wax is your best friend: a friend that will protect that shiny new paint job for a long time.
When you are shopping for a repair shop, take into consideration whether they have worked on the same type of car as yours. If yes, then you can trust them with your car.
Referrals are one of the best ways to find a reputable auto mechanic. Speak with others you know to see if they can recommend someone to you. This will let you figure out what kind of price you’re dealing with and if you’ll be satisfied with the work that is done. People can tell you what type of experience they had and whether the mechanic was honest or not.
Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. These are the manufacturer’s original parts. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.
There is no better way to find an auto mechanic than to get a referral. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. You’ll get a real feel for the experience and the honesty of the mechanic.
Watch out for mechanics that don’t know what they’re doing. If they ignore your questions or talk in circles, you’d be wise to not use their services. You need to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so don’t be afraid to choose another one.
Keep a repair kit in the car at all times. Make sure you have something to change a tire. Get a lug wrench or a jack. You should also include a screwdriver set, a ratchet set, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Avoid purchasing cheap tools. Get good, reliable tools that are not easy to break.
Get to know your owner’s manual, or take the time to note important information. Do not hesitate to let your mechanic know about what you learned from the owner’s manual. You can find the information you need to know in your owner’s manual.
When your headlights or taillights burn out, you can save a lot of money on repairs if you do it yourself. You can do this easily on some vehicles, and you’ll find it costs you less than having a company help you. Ask whether someone you know can show you how to fix it.
It is important not to neglect your car. By learning the simplest maintenance, such as performing your own oil changes, you can save a lot of cash. Implement what you have just read the next time you need your car repaired.
Every time you have your car fixed, regardless of the reason, you should take note of it. If the car has other issues later, it can help the tech see its past records. Without them, you may end up paying for more diagnostic tests, and it will be more difficult to learn where the issue is stemming from.