Have you dealt with car problems in the past? There’s a good chance you have. It is hard to distinguish the dishonest mechanics from the good ones. Use this article to guide you in finding that honest repair shop.
Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. This certification guarantees that the mechanic has been tested and has more than two years of experience. This also means that you have an experience, knowledgeable repair person working on your car.
Bring a battery charger with you in your trunk. A dead battery is more common than you think and you will be able to help other broken down drivers if you have a battery charger with you. It is important to not only have the battery charger but to know how it works as well in case you are alone.
Prior to handing over your keys, be sure you have a good idea of the repair cost. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.
Get your car washed often to keep rust at bay. All cars will eventually rust out, but you can delay the process considerably by making sure any salt or chemicals are washed off as soon as possible. Use a good wax to protect your paint job as much as possible.
Don’t take an emergency car kit for granted. Be sure the kit has tools for charging the battery, adding gas to the tank, and changing tires. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.
Thoroughly review your car manual. Any auto professional with a good reputation will need to know all he can about your car. You might even find some easy solutions for the issues you have been encountering.
Keep a record of every car repair. If you experience future problems with your vehicle, this past record will help the mechanic in diagnosing the problems. Your car problems may be harder to find and you may have higher repair costs without the records.
Wash your car often so you can 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.
Remember that getting OEM parts is important. These means they are parts that come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. 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.
Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.
Check out reviews about body shops online. This will give you an idea of how the public likes their customer service, and how well they are at fixing problems. You can use online reviews to find an auto repair shop that you are comfortable giving your business to.
Try finding a reliable mechanic who works from their own garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. This can save you a lot of money, and at the same time, help out a small auto shop instead of letting a big shop profit.
Before giving your car to a shop, ask them about their fees. Some fees may not be readily apparent, so make sure you know exactly what they are. Know where the estimated prices come from. They may be from a manual written by the car’s manufacturer. Some “Minor” repairs could take all day if they go by those manufacturers’ established times.
Major repairs should always be accompanied by more than just one estimate. Most shops are reliable but some mechanics will find additional repairs to charge you more. Look for mechanics that know the ins and outs of your car. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.
Change your oil at least once every couple of months to stay safe. Your vehicle may mot run smoothly or efficiently if you do not take this important step. Neglecting this part of your car can reduce the lifespan of your car.
Also know that doing the auto repairs yourself can prove rather dangerous. Always have somebody nearby to help you just in case of an emergency. Only invest in the best tools available. Tire changing equipment definitely needs to be high grade. The jack you buy needs to support your vehicle well. A hydraulic floor jack featuring approved stands is best for these situations.
Know what your dashboard warning lights mean, and keep an eye on them. They are meant to help; use them to your advantage. Do not ignore them, as this can put your safety in danger.
Every owner has to get their vehicle fixed once in a while, it’s unavoidable. Use the information that has been discussed in this article to help you make vehicle repairs. One of your best protections is knowing your repair shop’s reputation for reliability.