If your car is in need of repairs, why not try to do the job on your own? You don’t have to run to the mechanic for every small car problem. Use this article to learn how to repair your vehicle. You will save money and feel more confident.
You absolutely need a good emergency kit inside your vehicle. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. In addition, you should have a flashlight with fully charged batteries, a blanket and other things.
Your car should be washed regularly so that rust doesn’t become a problem. When you keep your car clean, rust will be held back. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.
Whenever you have your vehicle repaired, ensure you maintain an adequate record, regardless of the reason why you are having repairs. This will help the technician when you get future repairs on your car. Without records, you might have to pay higher costs due to taking longer to find the problem.
Before dropping your car off for repairs, remove any valuables. The mechanic may need to remove these items in order to do their job, and they are not responsible if you find out later that something is missing. Also, be sure to remove everything from the trunk.
Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. While the basic components are all the same, there is going to to be a big difference in the way say a Hummer versus a Smart car utilize the space under the hood. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.
Spare Tire
You may not be a mechanic, but your trunk should always have a spare tire and a jack at the very least. A majority of cars come equipped with them. Being stuck without a spare tire and jack means you will have to get your car towed. Changing your tire is a simple process that can save you an expensive visit from an auto service club.
Have a DIY kit for auto repair in your car at all times. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. If you lack a lug wrench and a jack, purchase both. You will need several screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Avoid cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.
Fixing a headlight or a taillight by yourself is very easy. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. Ask for help from friends and family.
Don’t have too many keychains or other items on your key fob. This can help you drive safer and more secure. If your keys stick, take off some of the charms!
Clean your car regularly, even in the winter. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Sand and salt can cause rust and abrasions. Just be sure that you’re drying your car off before you start to drive around so that ice doesn’t form.
Keep in mind that any DIY auto repairs can be dangerous. Should something happen, be sure someone else is around. Buy quality tools that are durable and reliable. In particular, only use the best equipment for changing tires. Do not forget that you are relying on your jack to support your car while you work beneath it. Therefore a quality hydraulic floor jack combined with sturdy jack stands will keep you safe.
When a problem is big, don’t self-diagnose it. Remember, you’re not a professional. Problems can be more complicated than they initially appear. Let the mechanic diagnose the problem. Give them all the details on what occurred and what you heard, but leave the final diagnosis to them.
You might feel intimidated when you first learn about auto repair. But the basics of car repair are not that hard, and beyond that you just need a good idea of how to find a good mechanic. Keep these tips in mind and your confidence will soar while your repair bills plummet.