Where do you start when it comes to learning about car repairs? This article should give you a good starting point to begin. Keep reading for some great auto repair tips.
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 is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic.
Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. You ought to assemble a kit consisting of tire change tools, battery charger and a gas can. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Know what the repair is going to cost you before handing over your keys. If you do not understand something, have it cleared up with the mechanic before he or she makes the repairs. If you do not communicate with your mechanic, you might be surprised with additional fees once you receive your bill.
Check out reviews about body shops online. This will let you know how others feel about the services they provide. You can use the information to find a place you’ll feel comfortable spending your money at.
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. Many people don’t do this, and the car ends up with the same issues that were supposed to be repaired.
Never leave any valuables in your car when it is getting 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. Empty the trunk too.
Check to see if the mechanic you are considering is familiar with your make and model of vehicle. Cars can differ significantly, even if the general mechanical principles are the same. A luxury SUV is quite different from a hybrid Prius, for example. If you are unsure, pay the extra to have a dealer do the repairs.
Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your trunk. Your tool kit should have equipment to change a tire and other necessary items. If you lack a lug wrench and a jack, purchase both. Then have a screwdriver kit, socket wrench kit, ratchet set, torque wrench and adjustable wrench, too. You don’t want to settle for buying cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that don’t break in the middle of a critical repair.
Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. They are there for a warning so it is to your benefit to be aware of what they are warning you about. Don’t ignore any dashboard lights that come on, as the problem may grow worse if it’s ignored.
It pays to keep track of your regularly scheduled oil changes. If you wish for your automobile to run great for a long time, the oil needs to be changed on a regular basis. When you skip an oil change, your car’s life is shortened.
It can be very dangerous to fix your own car. Always have someone close at hand to help you in case of emergency. Purchase quality tools you know will last. This is especially true of your tire changing equipment. The jack must hold the vehicle securely and safely. Do you really want to get under your car with a poorly made or faulty jack? Thus, hydraulic jacks and jack stands are important to have.
It may be a good idea to fully photograph your car internally and externally prior to taking it in for repairs. Sometimes shady mechanics supplement their income by stripping a car of its more expensive parts. Keep track of serial numbers on parts, just in case.
Having an old car can mean trip after trip to the repair shop. Avoid this by becoming aware of potential problems. Once you couple this tip with those in the article, you’ll be ready to keep your car in great shape. Remember what you have learned here the next time your car starts having problems.
