If you own a vehicle, then you know that repair can be a pain. You either have to spend a lot of time trying to fix your problems yourself, or you have to deal with the hassle of taking your car to a mechanic. Both instances can get quite annoying, however this article will help make your experience a little easier.
Mechanics should have ASE certification before you hire them. This kind of certification tells you that whoever will be working on your car has a couple years of experience and has passed a test. This ensures that you have a capable person working on your car.
Always know how much your repairs will cost before handing your car over to a service department. If you don’t understand something, talk to the mechanic first. You surely do not want unpleasant surprises when you go to get the car.
Replace your light bulbs on your own. Some vehicles have a simpler system than others, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. Ask an experienced friend to give you some pointers.
Know what your dashboard warning lights mean, and keep an eye on them. They’re there to assist you, so take advantage of them. If you ignore them for a long time then you’ll just have an even worse problem later on.
You don’t necessarily have to visit the dealer in order to get your auto repairs done. Great mechanics are everywhere, regardless of whether you visit a local mechanic or drive out of town to visit your dealer. If you have found a reliable mechanic, don’t hesitate to use them.
Repairing your car yourself could be hazardous. Always have a buddy to help you. Buy only the highest quality tools that will last and not break under pressure. This is particularly true with tire changing tools. Also, buy a strong jack in case you need to prop your car up in an emergency. You should think about purchasing a hydraulic floor jack that has approved stands.
Think about snapping some photos of your car prior to taking it to the auto body shop. Some unethical shops may strip parts off your vehicle and resell them. The appearance of your vehicle needs to be documented in case something bad happens.
If your car has been having a small problem that you think is minor, it may be a good idea to have it checked out anyway. Even small issues can lead to much larger ones.
No matter what a mechanic tells you, be aware that flushing your engine is an exceptional procedure. It is definitely not part of your car’s ordinary, routine maintenance. This service is expensive, and unless you’ve failed to change the oil on time regularly or something similar, you are not in need of this service.
Brake Fluid
Give the brakes a bleed after you’ve done work on them. Then pump the brake pedal to distribute brake fluid. Make sure there are no leaks causing you to lose valuable brake fluid. Once you have done these things, you can take your car on a test drive; however, make sure you drive in areas without much traffic. Drive slowly at first to make sure that the fix is good before you accelerate.
OEM is something that means Original Equipment Manufacturer. Ask for OEM parts if you need some new parts for your vehicle. You’ll seem educated if you tell a mechanic you would like OEM parts. This could very well prevent someone from outfitting your car with old parts.
Take some time before you make your decision on your auto repair. Call competitors and other mechanics to see how much you’d pay if you went to them instead. If there is a cheaper price elsewhere, then you need to go to that shop.
Be sure that you get a written estimate whenever your repairs will be over a couple hundred dollars. This helps you with complaints down the road. No only that, but with a written quote, the mechanic will probably not add repairs that are not necessary.
Set a specified amount for the mechanic that he can work with without your approval. Whenever you visit a shop, you should never allow the mechanics to perform very costly repairs on their own. Have a limit and stick to it.
If your car is making sounds, take it into the shop. Noises can help diagnose a problem. If possible, describe the sounds you noticed to your mechanic so they can quickly diagnose the issue.
If a mechanic hesitates about giving you a written estimate, do not use him. If he doesn’t make the repairs properly, you may not be able to receive compensation, since you don’t have proof of a contract in writing.
Rubber Mats
Winter can really damage your interior, so be sure to use strong, rubber mats to protect your carpet. Salt, slush, snow, and mud can get in your car and these mats protect your carpets from them. For those that live in northern climates, heavy rubber mats are a must have accessory.
Find an auto repair shop authorized by your manufacturer. Many maintenance costs are covered by warranties. Don’t void your warranty by going to an unauthorized dealer.
Ask someone else for their opinion before you perform a major automobile repair. If the first shop offers you a lower price than their first quote, to deter you from a second opinion, suspect them of dishonesty. When the repair is necessary, he should be happy to let you take it elsewhere as they should say the same thing.
Auto repair isn’t the most thrilling thing in the world, but there are steps you can take to make your experience a whole lot easier. With these tips in hand, your next auto repair experience won’t be so bad. You are going to be very pleased with the results.