If you own a car, you know that auto problems are a very common problem. However, there are ways that you can save money and time if you have some basic car repair knowledge. Use all the advice this article has provided you with. These tips will help you save significant money in the future.
Keeping a battery charger in your car is a good safety investment. Dead batteries are a common problem, and you should always have a charger or cables on you at all times. Find out where to connect the charger to your car.
Only choose an A.S.E. certified mechanic. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. When a mechanic has this certification, you are ensured that a qualified individual is repairing your car.
Check your radiator frequently. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Use a dipstick to check the fluid levels, and always add the correct amount of water to your coolant before adding it to your tank.
Always know how much your repairs will cost before handing your car over to a service department. If you need clarification, ask the service advisor for additional information before repairs commence. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you get your bill.
Check your radiator frequently. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Check the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.
As the mechanic whether they’ve worked on your make and model before. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.
To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. 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. Protect your paint with regular waxing.
Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.
Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. While generics are much cheaper, they are not held to the same quality standards. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.
Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Empty the trunk too.
It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. Ask the people you know for their recommendations. You can gain information about prices and level of quality. Those close to you will be able to give you an honest retelling of their experiences with certain mechanics.
Take off all of your keychain charms; just use your key. The ignition can’t support too much weight. Too much weight on your keychain can cause your key to stick.
Keep in mind that going to the dealer is not something you have to do if you want a vehicle fixed. Great mechanics abound in local garages. If you feel comfortable with someone, use them.
It is very important to keep records of all your auto repairs. Future problems can be easily solved when auto technicians have access to past records. Not maintaining these records will likely mean you have to spend more money because diagnosing the problem will be harder for the mechanic to do.
Don’t buy any parts that come with a promise of lasting a lifetime. This is usually a ploy to get more money from you. For example, some cars come with “lifetime” transmission fluid. It does not last a lifetime and has to be changed every 80k miles.
Test Drive
Check online reviews for any mechanic you’re considering. This gives you an idea regarding the public’s view of the particular service and lets you know who and where you should avoid. Use this information to choose a good shop.
Bleed your brakes before taking your car out on a test drive after servicing has been done. Once you have bled the brakes, pump up the fluid of your brakes. Examine closely to see if any leaking has occurred. You don’t want to run low on your brake fluid. Now you are ready for a test drive on streets that don’t have much traffic. Be slow when you start so you’re sure of whether or not the repair worked.
OEM also known as original equipment manufacturer. Remember this when you need a part replaced on your car. If you specify that you want original equipment manufacturer parts, the mechanic will think you know what you’re talking about. This will make it less likely that the mechanic will attempt to install parts that have been previously used.
Never leave anything in your car when dropping it off for repairs. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Remove all content from the trunk, too.
Consistency counts for something in auto repair. Stay with an auto repair shop you have trust in instead of seeing different people all the time. Different shops could end up telling you something totally unrelated to your problem is wrong. Many shops may charge more money and may not do a better job.
Look to AAA for reliable auto repairs. The AAA is great if you need some help such as getting a tow truck to your location or to deal with repairs. A lot of the time you’ll see that AAA can help you with discounts so you don’t pay as much out of pocket.
Make sure the mechanic you hire is properly qualified. If they avoid your questions, you may want to look elsewhere. You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.
Pay attention to any sounds coming from your car. Noise is something that can indicate a problem if you know what to listen for. If the sound can be described to the vehicle repair people you speak with then you may save time and money because they can diagnose what’s going on quickly.
When discussing your car’s problem with a mechanic, question him about the repair and why it is needed. You need a thorough understanding of the repair, not just a price quote. What is the estimated time frame for repairs? Ask questions about the work being performed and why it is needed. How much are the parts? What other questions do you have? The more you find out, the more confident you will be when future repairs are needed–especially if this becomes a recurring issue.
Learn about your car so you can determine the problem in advance and save money. This will save you a great deal of money and protect you against fraud. You probably already know that certain mechanics will come with lies to charge more money.
Any auto issue can be very annoying, even frustrating. Not to mention the expense involved. You can save a lot of time and money by learning more about auto repairs and preventative maintenance. This article was just the beginning; you should do more research on this topic.