Fixing your car is priority one. It is hard to get around when you are stuck without a car. However, you don’t have to break the bank in order to repair your car. Keep reading to learn more about the basic repairs you can do yourself or find out more about hiring a professional.
When you are shopping for a repair shop, take into consideration whether they have worked on the same type of car as yours. If they have worked on the same type vehicle you have, they will know which areas to check first on your car.
Keeping a battery charger in your car is a good safety investment. Dead batteries are pretty common and you can help others if you own a battery charger. Be sure you know how to correctly connect the charger clamps to your battery and the battery you are charging.
Ask for referrals to find a great mechanic. Look to your family, friends, and colleagues for their suggestions. They will be able to give you a heads up about satisfaction, quality and price. They will be the first to tell you about a dishonest mechanic too!
Once an auto shop has made repairs to your car, test drive it to ensure they did a good job prior to paying them. Many people don’t do this, and the car ends up with the same issues that were supposed to be repaired.
Be sure and regularly check your radiator. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Don’t open your radiator if your car is running. Use a dipstick to check the fluid level in your radiator and mix some coolant with water if you need to add more fluid.
Do not leave any items in your vehicle if you are taking it to be repaired. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Also, remove everything from the trunk.
Be on the lookout for clear indications that a mechanic is not the right one for the job. If a mechanic is not giving you straight answers or cannot explain repairs in details, you should keep looking. Find a mechanic who seems trustworthy and knows how to answer all your questions.
Do you understand what the estimated cost for your fix is? If a certain cost confuses you, don’t hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.
You may not be a mechanic, but your trunk should always have a spare tire and a jack at the very least. Many new cars have these. You do not want to stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to pay a ton of money for a tow. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Don’t waste your money by purchasing cheap tools. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.
Ask the tech if they’ve done work on your model and make of car before. If the mechanic says they have, then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.
There are many things, such as changing oil, checking fluids and changing tires that can be easily within your skill level. For the most part, you can resolve car issues at your own home. Implement what you’ve learned to help get your car on the road again.