Auto Repair: Helpful Tips For You
For the most part, many people are clueless when it comes to even making a decision regarding how to handle an auto repair. Is this person you? Don't be clueless about such a substantial investment. Instead, stay well-informed, and you can start by paying close attention to the following helpful advice.
Do not underestimate the importance of having an emergency kit in your car. Be sure the kit has tools for charging the battery, adding gas to the tank, and changing tires. Add some blankets, a flashlight and some batteries in case your car breaks down at night.
Be very careful when touching the electronic parts on your car. You should not touch wires unless the entire system is turned off. You should pay attention to the warning labels on the different parts of your car; touching some parts can be dangerous even when your car is turned off.
Prior to having your car repaired, ask how much you will have to pay. If a certain cost confuses you, don't hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. Being hit with additional fees is something that you don't want to be surprised with.
When taking your car to the mechanic's, you should not leave before having a complete diagnosis of what needs to be fixed. If the mechanic refuses to look at the car right away or does not want to give you a quote for the issues he diagnosed, find someone else.
Friends and family are a good source when you are looking to get some work done on your car. Ask around to see if anyone can suggest someone to you before you go on your search. Never go with the opinion of one person. Ask a few and see what other answers you get.
If your car door and hatch locks tend to become stiff, avoid breaking your key off in the lock by lubricating them periodically with a penetrating oil spray. You can use the plastic extender that comes with the spray can to deliver oil to the interior of the locking mechanism. If you have misplaced this extender, just spray your key liberally and turn it in the stiff lock several times.
Always ask about the certification and the insurance of a mechanic before letting them fix your car. If something goes wrong, the mechanic's insurance will cover damages and usually provides you with a car you can drive until yours is fixed. A mechanic who is not certified does not have an insurance either.
Keep a DIY tool kit in your trunk. Basic tools that should be included are tire changing tools. Buy a jack if your car does not already have one equipped. Also, you need Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a ratchet set, and various types of wrenches. Never buy cheap tools. Get good, sturdy tools that won't break when you need them the most.
Make sure that you remind yourself of how often your oil needs to be changed. Changing your oil regularly is very important to keep your vehicle running smoothly. If your oil is not changed on a regular basis, your car may not last as long as it could.
You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.
Go to a repair shop you are considering for the long haul with a smaller job first. It can be something as simple as an oil change or a tire rotation. This will give you at least a better hint of their capabilities, workmanship and friendliness before a bigger issue occurs.
Keep an eye on the wet puddles under your car. Color and consistency may help you figure out the issue. If it's pastel blue, yellow-green or fluorescent-orange, it may be an antifreeze leak due to a bad hose, leaking radiator, or water pump, or an overheated engine. Dark brown or black oily puddles can mean a bad gasket or seal is causing the leak. Red oily puddles are usually caused by a power-steering or transmission fluid leak. Clear puddles usually aren't anything to worry about, as they may be condensation from the vehicle.
Don't let a mechanic insist that an engine flush is part of a normal maintenance visit. It is quite expensive and usually only necessary for engines in very bad shape. There is a good chance they are just trying to "pad" your bill, unless your engine is in real trouble.
After having read these tips, you are now ready to take on a different mindset when it comes to auto repairs. You can be happy that you know what to do, and you can now take care of business correctly. No reason for you to come out on the wrong end of any deals.