Your car may be your most valuable possession, because you need it to travel to every place you go to. Because your car is so important to you, you need to learn as much about it as you can. If this is true, then you have found a great article on how you can do some simple car maintenance.
Regularly check your radiator’s performance. Let the car run a couple minutes, shut your engine and open up your hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that 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.
Don’t sign anything until you know the total cost of repairs. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.
See if the prospective mechanic has experience with your type of car. If they have, you should feel better about their ability to solve your problem.
Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. A good mechanic should let you know if they noticed parts that are starting to get worn down and will need to be replaced soon but they should not replace the part without your approval. Don’t return to mechanics that do unnecessary repairs.
Buy OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. Generic may be cheaper, but you don’t know the quality of these parts as time goes on. It may cost you more in the end to use generic parts even though you save money now.
A spare tire and a jack are valuable items to have in case of an emergency. Nearly every car has them equipped standard. This way you won’t get stuck anywhere and need to pay someone to tow you. It is simpler and cheaper to do the work yourself.
Compare more than 3 estimates so that you can get the best deal on your repair. It will help you find the best price available from a trustworthy mechanic. Check out other options which are trustworthy. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.
You don’t necessarily have to visit the dealer in order to get your auto repairs done. 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. If you have found a reliable mechanic, don’t hesitate to use them.
Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Closely inspect your tires to ensure nothing is wrong with them. If you notice any issues, address them immediately. Don’t drive with bad tires on your car.
If you need collision repair, it is smart to take photos before you give your car to the body shop. Most shops won’t damage your vehicle, but you never know. Therefore, documenting your vehicle can help you identify stolen items in case this were to happen to you.
There are basic things you can do by yourself, like adding fluids, such as oil and wiper fluid. You can do these things just as well as a trained auto mechanic can. Learn how to do the job before beginning, but understand that it may be dirty.
Don’t hire the mechanic who diagnosed your car right away. You can check with other mechanics, or do some research on the Internet to get a better idea of how much it should cost. If you locate a better deal, and you feel like you can trust the other shop, move on.
Keep a file with all your important repair receipts in your vehicle. You can either divide them up into basic maintenance and repairs, or just keep them in chronological order. This ensures you have the information for your mechanic, insurance or a buyer, if necessary. Keeping these resources organized will also help you keep track of just how much car maintenance is costing you over time.
Create a budget, and tell your mechanic what it is. Don’t simply allow the shop to make any repairs as they see fit. Again, set the dollar amount yourself.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from your vehicle. These sounds can tell you a lot about the problems that your car is having. Describing the sound can help your mechanic.
When washing your vehicle, remove the mats, shake them and hit them with your hose. Dirt particles are easily lodged inside the rubber surface and over time they will tear holes. Holes are unsightly and can allow dirt to travel to the carpeting.
Repair Shop
Always go to an auto repair shop that your manufacturer has authorized. If this is done you won’t have to pay so much because things are going to be covered by that warranty. Keep in mind that going to a different repair shop can void some pats of the warranty you have.
Ask for a second opinion before getting your car repaired. Do not trust a mechanic who wants to start working on the vehicle right away or offers you a discount. If your car really does need work and he gives you a good price, he should have no problem being true to his word.
A car that runs well is crucial to your own functioning. Knowing just the simplest of things can save you quite a bit of money. Apply this advice when car issues hit, and you will be just fine.
