Have Auto Repair Questions? Get Answers Here
Keeping a car in proper working order is a significant commitment and one that requires a fair bit of knowledge. Unfortunately, not everyone who owns a car understands how best to ensure proper auto repair when problems arise. Read the tips and advice that follow below, and you will be ready for any eventuality. Your car will surely thank you.
Before you hand over your car to the shop, be sure you are clear about the repair costs. If you don't understand something, clarify your concerns with the mechanic or service adviser before they work on the car. You don't want to be surprised by unexpected charges.
Look for an auto repair shop that displays their certifications for everyone to see. Get a good look at it to make sure that they are current. Even if they are certified, that does not guarantee quality work, but there is a greater chance of the work getting done correctly.
Purchase motor oil on sale and in discount stores and keep two or three bottles in the trunk of your car. Check your oil every time you fill your gas tank. If you find that your oil level is low, you will save lots of money by having your own oil on hand rather than purchasing it at a gas station for inflated prices.
To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner's manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.
Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill. Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.
Make sure to have all your car records on hand. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. The auto repair professionals will want to look at those records. They can help them diagnose the issue a lot quicker.
Keep your car's owner manual handy. Knowing vital car information can really help when something unexpected occurs. If you know your car's controls, you may even avoid a trip to a mechanic. If you do need a mechanic, you should have the make, model, and trim level available so that they can figure out things like your transmission configuration, size, etc. much quicker.
Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. This means that you are getting manufacturer made parts and not replicas. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.
Your car owners manual is actually a valuable guide to the workings of your car. That means that you should not trash it as soon as you leave the dealer. It can tell you everything from what that light on your dash means, to how to perform basic maintenance on your particular model.
Look out for obvious "red flags" when dealing with a new auto repair company. If a mechanic is not giving you straight answers or cannot explain repairs in details, you should keep looking. It is good to feel like you trust your mechanic, so move on if you don't feel like you can.
If you're performing your own repairs underneath a car and have it raised in the air, ensure that the lifting device you use is secure. Never lift a car that is not on level ground or on a firm surface. Always use jackstands in the proper position and never solely rely on a jack to keep a car raised off the ground.
Don't ignore small annoying sounds or problems. These tiny annoyances, such as noisy brakes, are usually cheap to fix. If ignored, however, they can usually lead to much more extensive problems and expensive repairs. Replacing worn brake pads now is much cheaper than having to replace the pads, rotors, brake lines, and calipers later.
When working on your engine be certain to wear proper safety equipment. You need ear plugs to protect your hearing, goggles to protect your vision and polyurethane or latex gloves to protect your skin from damage and injury caused by acids and other fluids. If you have long hair, be sure to secure it to avoid having it become caught in moving parts.
Every car owner needs to understand the fundamentals of solid auto repair. Being able to hire a good mechanic, or even perform repair work yourself is essential. With any luck, the article you have just read has provided you with sufficient working knowledge of auto repair principles and practices to prepare you for any circumstances you may encounter.