What Your Mechanic Isn't Going To Tell You
Everyone has to deal with auto repairs at some time in their life. Car repairs can cost a significant amount of money. Whether you are doing the repairs yourself or hiring a mechanic, it is a good idea to know what you are doing. Use these tips to be better prepared when you have to fix your car.
Don't underestimate how important it is to keep an emergency kit inside your car. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded.
Check the tread on your tires regularly to make sure they are safe. Tires that have less than one quarter of an inch of tread probably need to be replaced. Also be aware of any bulges or cuts on the surface of your tires as this may indicate a weak area that could blow out and cause an accident while you are driving.
Pay attention to the gauges and trouble lights on your cars dash. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a car that is overheating, low on oil or not charging the battery. Knowing which of these indicators need immediate attention can prevent damage to your car and save you cash in the long run.
Schedule yourself extra time for free checkups, especially if you are going in on a weekend. No matter how early you get in, there are only so many bays in the garage. That means that your car may have to wait for a few paying clients before it gets looked at.
Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that's easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don't drive in areas with high water levels. Don't start your car if it's been exposed to flood waters.
Replacing a charcoal canister is very expensive, but you can easily replace this part yourself. Take off the wheel located under your fuel tank and disconnect the vacuum lines connected to the old canister. The part should then come right off. Install the new one and connect the lines very carefully before installing the wheel again.
Take pictures of your car before dropping it off at the mechanic to ensure that it doesn't not receive damage while in the shop, Though the majority of such shops are trustworthy, some shops strip vehicles for profit. Be safe rather than sorry.
Make sure that the auto repair shop you go to offers a warranty on their services. There are plenty of repair shops that will do a shoddy job, and there is nothing you can do about that if you have no warranty. A warranty will give you the opportunity to get the problem fixed for no charge.
If you see a small problem in your vehicle, you should take your car in to check it out anyway. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.
There are some shops that do devious things to your car if you are not paying attention. Some shops will try to squeeze every dollar out of you. Marking your tires with chalk before taking the tires to be rotated is a good idea. This can help you see if your tires have been properly rotated or switched out for older tires.
Always inquire about the qualifications and experience of the technician who will be repairing your car. You want to know if they have experience working on your make and model of car. You also want to know if your mechanic has any special qualifications, like A.S.E. certification, that demonstrate their competence.
Understanding more about your car is key to figuring out what to do when issues arise. You might want to sign up for a class on auto repair if you are unfamiliar with automobile basics. The cost is worth it through the money you save on repairs. With this knowledge, you can deal with things before they become big issues.
To get the best performance from your car, be sure that your mechanic installs original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM). Even though these are more costly than generic parts, the resulting good performance is worth the cost. Additionally, factory approved parts add up to less wear and tear on your vehicle in the long run.
One of the best ways to save money is by being informed about car maintenance and repairs. Some mechanics take advantage of those with little car knowledge. Use the advice you learned here to either do the repairs yourself or be better armed against shady mechanics. You can save thousands over a lifetime.