A primer on basic auto repair is a must if you are going to drive a car. Unfortunately, this is not legally required, so most people never learn these basics. Luckily for you, you’ll find that the following article is very helpful if you need to know a few things about auto repair; you can be sure everything works great as your vehicle ages.
Keep all of your car records handy. Keep these records in the glove compartment in the event that you need to make an emergency stop at your mechanic’s shop. The records will be vital to your mechanic. This will allow them to figure out what the issues are quickly.
Request OEM parts. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. It can cost a lot less to use parts that are generic, but you won’t get the most out of these things after a while. It may cost you more in the end to use generic parts even though you save money now.
If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Dirt from driving can build up on your headlights and block some light. Clean your car’s headlights and taillights with a glass cleaner.
Look for warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. Someone who gives vague answers to direct questions, or ignores them altogether, may not have the necessary knowledge to give you quality service. Since it is important to trust the person who is repairing your car, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere for a person to repair your vehicle.
Save Money
Learn about your car so you can determine the problem in advance and save money. If you know what the problem is, you can save money and also easily identify any repair shop that is trying to scam you. An unscrupulous mechanic may exaggerate the problem or diagnose nonexistent ones to charge you more.
Make sure the mechanic can work on your particular car. Although cars are generally similar in some ways, there are big differences between models. If you don’t know, pay extra to get the dealer to repair it.
You should make sure to have a spare tire and jack with you all the time. The majority of new cars have them automatically. If you get stuck in an unknown area, these items are crucial to have. It’s cheaper to do on your own.
Basic Tools
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. Basic tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, socket wrenches, torque wrench and other basic tools are also handy to have. Don’t waste your money on bad quality tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don’t break whenever you really need them.
When you have a burnt out light on your car, it can save you some money if you’re able to repair it yourself. You can do this easily on some vehicles, and you’ll find it costs you less than having a company help you. Ask someone you know if they can instruct you on how to do it.
Think about using a mechanic who works from home. Mechanics who work from home are often able to charge less because they don’t have the overhead that shops do. You could save a lot of money this way.
Although you can easily handle minor issues with your vehicle, you should not attempt to fix major issues. Know that you may not be a total expert! What seems like something small may actually be quite complicated, particularly in modern cars. Let the professionals do the diagnosing. Allow them to know whatever is going on with your vehicle and what kinds of noises you’ve heard and let them make the decision as to what can be done.
After fixing the brakes but before you test drive it, bleed the brakes. After bleeding your breaks, make sure that you pump your brake fluid. Test for leaks to be sure the fluid won’t run out. If your car passes these tests, you can take it on a road that has minimal traffic. Start out slowly to be certain you’ve made a good repair before risking higher speeds.
Find out more about AAA to ensure your repairs are on the up and up. They will send out a tow truck if you break down and can help you find a reputable mechanic. Many auto shops offer discounts to AAA members, so it’s well worth the membership.
When a mechanic gives you a diagnosis, get a second opinion before deciding to fix your car. Contact other shops and ask them for an estimate on the repair needed. If you can find a cheaper rate, pay the first mechanic for their time and take your vehicle to the cheaper shop.
As a car owner, it is your responsibility to keep your car in good working order. It is not always common knowledge about how to attend to basic car repairs, or how to find a great mechanic. Review the concepts described above with regularity, and you will have what it takes to keep your car traveling down the road.