When your car breaks down, it is difficult to know what to do. If you do not have much understanding about car repair, consider brushing up on the subject. Use the tips discussed below to maintain your car and avoid making any costly errors when it needs to be taken in for repairs.
You should always have an emergency kit available in your vehicle. Your kit should include jumper cables, tire changing tools and maybe some extra gas. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Ensure your car has an emergency kit. A battery charger, tire changing tools and an extra can of gas are just a few of the items to have on hand. Should your car break down in the dark, it is helpful to have extra batteries, a flashlight, and some blankets.
Before giving your car keys to the service department, make sure you know what the cost for the repair will be. If you do not understand something, have it cleared up with the mechanic before he or she makes the repairs. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.
Go over your owner’s manual and dog ear the most useful pages. You need to know the basics about your car prior to visiting with a mechanic. The manual could also help you figure out a simple solution to a problem that you are having.
When you take your car to the shop, ask plenty of questions about your vehicle. You should ask about the problems you have and what to do to avoid them in the future. Prevention is a great way to save lots of money.
Avoid mechanics who charge you for repairs that are not really needed. A trustworthy mechanic should inform you about parts that are becoming worn and will need replacement in the near future, but no parts should be replaced without first getting your approval. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.
Buy OEM parts. This means that they’ve come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but you cannot really tell if they are the best quality. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.
It is important that you fully understand what all the charges will be upfront, before handing the mechanic your car keys. When you’re not sure, ask until you feel clear. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.
Your car should always have a spare tire and jack. The majority of new cars have them automatically. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. Changing your tire is a simple process that can save you an expensive visit from an auto service club.
Have a DIY kit for auto repair in your car at all times. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire. A good lug wrench and jack are key. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. You don’t want to settle for buying cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that will not break as you perform repairs on your vehicle.
You do not have to call a mechanic every time you are having car trouble. Some jobs are simple and do not need to be taken to the auto shop. It’s possible to find the information you need online. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.
Take off your keychains from your car keys to reduce the weight on your ignition. The ignition cannot hold the weight of a big key chain. If your key begins sticking, the tumblers need replacing.
Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.
Do not hire a mechanic until you are sure they have experience with this particular make and model. 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.
Be sure that you’re reminding yourself of oil changes when your vehicle requires one. You have to change it regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Your car will not last as long as it should when the oil is not regularly changed, so be sure you have some kind of reminder.
It can be very dangerous to fix your own car. Ensure that you have help close at hand in case something goes wrong. If you buy good quality tools, they will last a long time. This is very important for the tools you need to change a tire. The jack has to be strong enough to keep the car secure above you. That’s why sometimes it’s best to get a hydraulic jack that comes with jack stands that are approved.
If you’re headlights are giving off dull light, they may just be dirty. Sometimes there is grease and/or dirt on it, and it reduces the brightness of the light. You will be able to see well when using a reliable glass cleaner.
Even if your car only seems to have a small issue going on, you should definitely have it looked at. The problem might get worse if you do not get it fixed quickly, or your diagnosis might not be correct.
Warranties are extremely important when it comes to auto repairs, particularly if you’ve purchased expensive parts. Therefore, when a mechanic orders parts for your vehicle, you should ask him or her about their warranties. Ask about the lentgh of time of the warranty and for a contract in writing to review it.
Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. In some vehicles, this repair is easier than in others. But, if you can do it yourself, you will save money. Speak with friends and family for pointers or instructions.
The confusion and panic that can sometimes follow a vehicle breakdown are something that most people dread. If you aren’t knowledgeable on auto repair, then you may worry about who you should turn to in order to have your car repaired properly. Use the tips you read to either handle the problem yourself or find a competent mechanic to handle the problem for you.