Like most folks, you may not know much about car repairs. However, it is important to learn the basics, at least, so you know what to do when there is an issue. The article below has auto repair tips and tricks you need to know.
Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.
You should always have an emergency kit available in your vehicle. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.
Buy a good battery charger to keep in the car. Dead batteries are a common problem for many drivers. Additionally, having a charger with you will allow you to aid other motorists in similar need. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.
Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car’s running. 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.
You don’t always need a repair-person for your car troubles. Many things are able to be fixed easily. Have a look on the Internet and see if you can narrow down what the issue could be. It’s not too hard to do, and you’ll be able to get money saved back to start repairing things.
Check online reviews for any mechanic you’re considering. The Internet is a great resource to find out how people really feel about a certain garage. This will help you to weed out garages that could leave you with concerns over quality and workmanship.
Do not let mechanics do repairs that are not warranted on your car. Make sure that you give your approval first before a repair is done. Avoid mechanics that have previously done work without your go ahead.
Wash your car regularly to prevent rust from becoming a problem. All cars will rust up eventually, but you may delay it considerably by ensuring all chemicals and salts are washed off quickly. Protect your paint with good wax.
Before you take your car to the shop, always make an attempt to identify the problem yourself. A bit of money can be saved in this way, and you may stay away from fraudulent people. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. The tools you need include tire changing equipment, which usually come with a car. A lug wrench and a jack are essential. You may ask want to get a variety of screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches and the like. Don’t buy inexpensive tools. Get good, reliable tools that are not easy to break.
Make sure you know what is in your auto manual, and mark certain pages for reference. Any auto professional with a good reputation will need to know all he can about your car. You may also find answers to your problems, inside.
Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. If you simply overlook them for months on end, there is a chance your vehicle might sustain irreparable damage.
Do not forget that fixing your car yourself comes with some dangers. Always get someone to be near you if an emergency were to happen. Buy good quality tools that will not break easily. This holds true particularly in the case of the tools needed for changing tires. Keep in mind that the jack must hold the car up securely, particularly if you’re under it. You should think about purchasing a hydraulic floor jack that has approved stands.
OEM parts should be asked for. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.
Don’t try to diagnose and fix complex automotive issues. You are not the expert, and you must remember this. Do not assume an issue can be fixed easily, unless you have previous experience with this type of issue. Let the professionals diagnose your problem. Just tell them the symptoms you are experiencing, including noises or the “feel” of the car, but then let them do their job.
When having repairs on your car, it is important to keep warranties in mind, especially when purchasing costly components. If your mechanic orders parts for you, ask about warranties. Ask about the length of the warranty, and ask to be provided with a written copy of it.
Keep a spare tire and a jack with you all the time. New cars often come with a kit you can use to change a tire. You don’t need to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and need to pay a lot for towing. It’s less of a headache and cheaper to do it by yourself.
Check into the technician to learn if he has the certifications that are necessary. Look for the seal of approval from automotive institutes. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.
Lots of shady shops are willing to take tires and put cheap ones on instead. This is done for profiting from ignorance. Prior to going there, you should put chalk on the tires so they’re marked. This can help you see if your tires have been properly rotated or switched out for older tires.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. The tools you need include tire changing equipment, which usually come with a car. Get a lug wrench or a jack. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Never buy really cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.
For simple things, such as adding oil and windshield wiper fluid to your vehicle, there is no reason that you cannot do these things on your own. It’s a myth that only professional mechanics can perform routine maintenance on a car. Make sure you know what to do, then dive right in.
Once you get a diagnosis from a mechanic, ask for a few hours before making a decision regarding getting your vehicle fixed. Look around first and compare prices. If you can get a cheaper price, simply pay the mechanic for the work they’ve done and go somewhere else.
Don’t neglect wiper blades. Replace them when they’re not clearing the windshield well. You should replace wiper blades at least once a year or more often if you live in an area where rain is commonplace or if you notice your wiper blades are worn out.
Keep an accordion file in the car to keep receipts. Divide them chronologically or by repair completed. The point is you have a good record of all things done to your car, and this can prove extremely helpful. This will be valuable to you.
If you get a quote from a mechanic that is over $200, ask for it in writing. You may want to file a formal complaint, and the written quote can be proof. They’ll be much less likely to tack on unnecessary repairs to a bill where they’ve already given you a written quote.
There is no real benefit to getting repairs done at the dealer. There are great technicians everywhere, whether you take your car to the shop ten minutes from your home or whether you go on in to your dealer. Find someone who you are comfortable with and stick with them.
Now that you’ve read this, you should know more about auto repair. When you have car trouble, you will now know how to fix them yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. Keeping your vehicle in good shape is very important.