Your car is probably one of your most important possessions, since you depend on it to get you to and from work (among other places). You might not know enough about cars to feel comfortable servicing small repairs. This article can help you learn more, even enable you to do some maintenance tasks yourself.
Ensure you regularly inspect your radiator. Start your car, wait a few minutes and shut it off so you can safely inspect the radiator. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car’s running. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.
Ask the technician at the repair shop you are considering if they have done work on the same make and model of vehicle before. A mechanic who has experience with the make and model you are driving will be able to diagnose issues quickly.
Be sure to wash your car often so as to prevent rust. Every car is going to rust in the future, but this can be delayed if you just get all of the chemicals and salt off your car when you can. A good wax can help you keep your paint job protected well.
Buy OEM parts. This means that you are getting manufacturer made parts and not replicas. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. It may cost you more in the end to use generic parts even though you save money now.
Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. The majority of new cars have them automatically. You don’t need to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and need to pay a lot for towing. It is much easier and inexpensive to do it yourself.
Pay attention to all of the lights that flash in the dashboard, and make sure that you understand what each of them mean. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. If you simply overlook them for months on end, there is a chance your vehicle might sustain irreparable damage.
Take pictures of your entire vehicle before taking it to the shop to get repaired. Most auto shops are totally reputable, but there’s always an exception that may consider stripping some things from your car. Therefore, documenting your vehicle can help you identify stolen items in case this were to happen to you.
Find out a little about the car parts you need before you go to a mechanic. There are a few different kinds of parts. Insist on new parts for all your repairs. Buying a rebuilt or reconditioned part means the part has been damaged and fixed in the past. Salvage parts are parts that have been used and haven’t been altered.
You should not try diagnosing complex problems. It’s important to remember that you’re not the expert. Vehicle repairs can be complicated. Let a repair shop do the diagnosing. Tell them every detail and let them do the rest.
The acronym OM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. This can be helpful if parts are being replaced on your car. You’ll seem educated if you tell a mechanic you would like OEM parts. They’ll rarely try to scam you as a result.
When you receive a list of the issues involved in your auto repair from your mechanic, ask for some time before deciding on having the work done. Look around first and compare prices. If you are able to find a better price, you might owe the shop some diagnostic labor, but you will not be stuck with an overpriced repair.
As previously stated, taking proper care of a car is crucial. Even learning how to perform simple routine maintenance can save a lot of cash and trips to the mechanic. The information here will help you keep your car running smoothly.