There’s nothing scarier than driving down the highway and having your car suddenly die. Not only do you have the hazards of other vehicles driving by, you must also find a mechanic so he or she can make repairs to your vehicle. How do you go about finding a good mechanic? These tips will show you how to find a good mechanic when you need one.
Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. With a dipstick, check your radiator fluid. Before adding more coolant remember to mix it with water.
Check out your mechanic to see if he is A.S.E. certified before allowing him to do any work on your vehicle. This certification confirms the the mechanic has a lot of experience working on cars. This will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.
Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Ask co-workers, friends and family for recommendations. This will let you figure out what kind of price you’re dealing with and if you’ll be satisfied with the work that is done. They can let you know if they had a good experience and whether or not the mechanic was trustworthy and honest.
Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. 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. If a mechanic does unnecessary repairs, find someone else who is more trustworthy.
Ask the technician at the repair shop you are considering if they have done work on the same make and model of vehicle 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.
Consider using OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.
Try to find out whats wrong with your vehicle before calling a mechanic. Being able to diagnose the problem, even if you can’t fix it, can help you from being fleeced by an unscrupulous mechanic. Experience shows that mechanics sometimes falsely claim a problem exists and do an unnecessary repair, to increase their earnings.
Be sure to wash your car often so as to prevent rust. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. Wax is also important.
Ask your mechanic if he has had experience working on your type of car. There are many similarities between vehicles but some issues are specific to certain makes and models. If you don’t know, make sure you go to the dealer and pay them the extra money.
Be sure you know how often the oil needs changing. Look at your car’s manual to see when the manufacturer recommends oil changes. Be sure to remember this, because making sure you get an oil change on time can help extend your vehicle’s life.
Use the Internet to find reviews on an auto repair shop. This can give you a good idea about how the public feels and what experience you might have yourself. You can use online reviews to find an auto repair shop that you are comfortable giving your business to.
Bring your car to the auto repair shop immediately if you sense a problem, no matter how small. The problem might get worse if you do not get it fixed quickly, or your diagnosis might not be correct.
Don’t try and figure out what is wrong with your car by yourself. You aren’t an expert! What you may think is an easy fix may be a hard one, especially if your car is newer. Let repair shops diagnose your vehicle. Give them every detail about what happened and if there were any sounds associated with the problem, and let them diagnose the trouble.
Be careful that your mechanic does not attempt to perform unneeded repairs. Work should never be performed without your permission, but a good mechanic may point out upcoming repairs that are necessary. A mechanic who has performed this practice should never be patronized again.
There are some sketchy mechanics that will take your tires and put old ones on your car. They do this so that they’re able to make money from you being ignorant. Prior to entering, mark your tires with chalk. If there is no chalk when your service is complete, you’ve been had.
If you do not have a lot of money, but need auto repairs, you can visit a vocational school in your area to have the automotive department do repairs. You can pay much less for service since students are still learning how to repair cars.
Always ask your mechanic for OEM parts. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.
Picking out the best auto repair mechanic may be hard. However, when you have the right information, the process becomes easier. You will have an advantage if you know the right questions to ask and what to look out for. The next time your vehicle plays up, keep this advice in the front of your mind.