Your vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you can make, especially if you do not know much about it. On top of getting familiar with your specific model, you also need to learn other tricks. Keep reading to save money and time later.
Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. That means the technician has more than two years of experience and passed a test. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.
You need to buy a good battery charger and have it in your vehicle at all times. Dead batteries happen a lot, and you can provide assistance to others if you keep a charger on hand. Make sure you learn the points on your car where the battery charger should be connected.
Whenever your car undergoes repairs, make sure you have the written record of what was done. When another issue crops up, this record will allow you to provide the history to the mechanic. Not having any repair history on the vehicle can lead to more problems for the mechanic.
Don’t leave anything of value in your car when it’s being repaired. Some of these items may need to be removed so the mechanic can do his work, and the shop is not responsible if anything is lost. Clear out your trunk, too.
Before you bring your car to a repair shop, try to determine what is wrong with your car. You can save lots of money if you diagnose the problem on your own, and you may also be able to prevent yourself from being swindled. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.
Get a second opinion on all major repairs. Most shops are on the up and up, but some will charge you for things that aren’t necessary. Search for a reliable shops that is knowledgeable with your kind of car. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.
Replace your light bulbs on your own. It is simpler to do in certain vehicles, but it is much less expensive than hiring someone else to do it. If you know anyone who is comfortable with cars, ask if they can show you how it’s done.
Wiper Blades
Pay attention to the condition of your car’s wiper blades. If your windshield wipers are no longer keeping the rain off your windshield, or if they make noise or leave streaks, it is time to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced a minimum of once per year. If your area receives a lot of rain, then you may need to replace your blades more regularly.
Your car key should not have tons of fluffy keychains on it. Too many items on your keychain can weigh down your car’s ignition. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.
Be sure to change your oil often enough. In order for your vehicle to run as well as possible, you need to have the oil changed regularly. Not having regular oil changes can end up damaging your car and effecting the overall performance.
It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Often times, ignoring small issues lead directly to more serious ones.
Original Equipment Manufacturer is usually referred to using the acronym OEM. Remember this when you need a part replaced on your car. If you walk in and tell the mechanic that you want OEM parts, you will sound knowledgeable. They’ll rarely try to scam you as a result.
If you get a quote from a mechanic that is over $200, ask for it in writing. Written proof can prove to be invaluable to settling any disagreement you may have with the mechanic. An unscrupulous mechanic is less likely to alter your estimate after the fact, when you each have an original copy.
Figure out the maximum you’re willing to spend when someone is going to work on your car. Don’t let the mechanic make whatever repairs they want after your drop off your car. Give them a dollar amount and if they find something else wrong with your vehicle you should have them call you before fixing it.
Listen to sounds your car is making. Noises can help diagnose a problem. If your mechanic is aware of the sound your car is making, he may be able to instantly diagnose it.
You can reduce the repairs you’ll need from having a car in storage by filling its tank and putting it on jack stands. Do not use your parking brake and inspect the garage to make sure it is dry and clean.
When you are getting a quote for repairs from an auto mechanic, be sure to have him itemize the parts and labor costs. Then you can compare the costs with other mechanics. The cost of parts should be similar, so you are really comparing the cost of the service.
Don’t be scared when you need to ask a question about car repairs. If you’re taking your vehicle to get repaired at a shop, it is important to know what exactly is going to be done and how much it’s going to cost. If a company is legit, they should have no problems answering your questions.
If you need to take your vehicle to an auto shop because of a noise or because it does not handle well, let the mechanic ride along with you so you can point out the problem as it actually happens. This allows the mechanic to see what kinds of things you are dealing with. This may be far more informative that simply trying to tell them what is wrong.
As previously stated, learning about basic auto repair may benefit you later. Besides gaining the ability to teach others, you will be able to save money by doing your own car repairs. Utilize the knowledge provided here to help you perform your own car repairs.