Auto repairs can end up being very expensive. The cost of parts are significant, but the labor costs can add up as well. Did you know that some repairs can be done yourself, saving a lot of money. The information in this article will help you to become an expert mechanic in no time.
Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. The basis of this certification is that your mechanic has over two years of experience and they have passed appropriate testing. This type of mechanic is the best choice for your vehicle.
You must wash your car to keep the rust away. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. Protect your paint with regular waxing.
Ask for referrals to find a great mechanic. See if co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members have any recommendations. This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. Avoid the mechanics who overcharged your friends or were not honest with them.
Do not pay an auto mechanic until you have test driven your car to be sure they did their job. If you do not do this, you may have the same issue when you get home.
Always ask your mechanic for OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.
See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.
Check to see if the mechanic you are considering is familiar with your make and model of vehicle. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you’re unsure about your chosen mechanic’s ability, consider having a dealer repair your vehicle.
Keep a DIY tool kit in your trunk. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. You should also include a screwdriver set, a ratchet set, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Cheap tools are not worth your money. If you buy high quality tools, they will not break when you really need them.
Is a work-at-home mechanic a viable option? If they possess sufficient experience, they can typically do jobs for far less cost. Next time your car is in need of repairs, ask around for referrals for an unlicensed but fabulous mechanic.
Ask for labor rates or prices before hiring a mechanic. There are many unscrupulous mechanics who are not upfront about their costs and policies. Know where the estimated prices come from. Many car dealerships may charge by “book time” which is a set rate based on how long the repair should take to do. Some minor repairs could even be an all day job.
Look at flashing lights on your dashboard and learn what each one signifies. These lights can let you know when something is wrong with your car. Don’t ignore any dashboard lights that come on, as the problem may grow worse if it’s ignored.
Every car is going to need some form of repair at one point or another. You don’t need a mechanic for all of them, though. You can save money by doing the repairs yourself. The following tips can help.