You don’t have to be passive when car troubles start. Because you have so much money invested in your car, it is important that you know the basics for looking after it. Continue reading to learn how to better deal with your auto repairs.
Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. This certification lets you know that your mechanic has at least 2 years of experience and has passed a test. This also means that you have an experience, knowledgeable repair person working on your car.
Battery Charger
Keep a good battery charger on hand at all times. Batteries die all the time, but you won’t be in trouble if you can charge it. Learn how to find the points where the battery charger connects.
Make sure you often check the radiator. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. With a dipstick, check your radiator fluid. Before adding more coolant remember to mix it with water.
Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. A good wax is your best friend: a friend that will protect that shiny new paint job for a long time.
Keep good records for your car’s history. You may want to store them in the glove compartment for easy access. Auto repair professionals likely will want to see those records. These documents can help the mechanic figure out the problem quicker.
Before making your payment to the mechanic when picking up your car, take it out for a spin first to check that everything is working. Skipping this step is a common error that causes folks to end up with the same issue they have paid to have fixed.
Unneeded Repairs
Be aware of a mechanic who makes unneeded repairs to your car. Good mechanics will inform you if parts need replacing or will need replacing in the near future; however, they should not actually take the extra step and replace parts without your knowledge and approval. If a mechanic tries to charge you for unneeded repairs, find another mechanic.
Your wiper blades need TLC. If you don’t have wipers that work well or streak your windows, you need to purchase newer ones. You need to replace the wipers on your car about every year or even more often if there is a lot of rain where you live.
Do not forget that fixing your car yourself comes with some dangers. Have someone assist you and make sure they are ready to react to emergencies. Purchase good quality tools that you do not have to worry about breaking. This holds true particularly in the case of the tools needed for changing tires. The jack has to be strong enough to keep the car secure above you. A hydraulic floor jack featuring approved stands is best for these situations.
Your tire pressure should be checked when purchase some gas. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If you notice a problem, seek repairs immediately. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.
Consider taking pictures of all areas of your vehicle before you bring it in to be repaired at an auto body shop. Though most shops won’t strip a car, others do it to make more money. This can give you proper documentation in the case of an accident.
You should know things about the inner workings of a vehicle before taking your car to the mechanic. There are several different classifications of car parts, and these include salvage, new, and re-manufactured and reconditioned. New parts are newly created to the specifications of the manufacturer. “Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned” are parts that are restored to a good working condition. “Salvage” refers to used parts that aren’t altered.
It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Many people ignore smaller issues, and they eventually lead to much larger issues.
You should always look for a warranty when you’re working on a car problem and need a part that costs quite a bit. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for you. Inquire as to how long it is for and get a printed copy.
Only go to a repairman that is certified. You should be sure they have been approved by the ASE. That shows the person has some credentials and has maintained certain standards, so you will likely receive better service.
Don’t trust any claims that a part will last you a lifetime. Often, this is how businesses try to reel you in. Some cars, for example, do come equipped with transmission fluid proclaiming to last a lifetime. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you should still change it every 80,000 miles or so.
Test Drive
After fixing the brakes but before you test drive it, bleed the brakes. Take the time to pump brake fluid too. Check for leaks to make sure the fluid doesn’t run out. You can then test drive your vehicle on an empty road. Start slowly so you can make sure your repairs went well.
A dealer’s mechanic is an expensive option, but it is sometimes necessary to go through your dealership. The dealer mechanics are specialists concerning your type of vehicle. They are able to quickly diagnose your problems and are familiar with common issues to your vehicle’s make. They also stay up to date with training.
Should your repair quote run more than a couple of hundred dollars, get an estimate in writing. If you have written proof, you can easily file complaints if necessary. A written quote can also help keep you from any additional charges.
You probably realize now the best way to deal with your car issues. The tips mentioned earlier should give you more confidence about auto repair. Remember the tips you just read and do more research on the issues you run into to find out whether or not you can fix them yourself.