Whenever your vehicle breaks down, your only concern should be getting it running again. Getting a vehicle stuck with you that doesn’t work can make problems occur. However, it’s not usually necessary to pay a bunch of money when you need repairs. You can perform many simple repairs yourself, as well as find a way to save money on auto repair shops whenever they are necessary.
It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. Ask co-workers, friends and family for recommendations. You can gain information about prices and level of quality. People will let you know if their experiences were good or bad and how honest the auto repair shop was with them.
Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. These means they are parts that come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.
If you plan to take your car to the shop, do not leave anything inside the car. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.
Repairs like burned out taillights or headlights can be fixed on your own. Some vehicles have a simpler system than others, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. See if someone you know can tell you how it’s done.
You shouldn’t forget about your wiper blades. If your wipers are not doing a good job or often streak or chatter, you need new ones. You need to replace the wipers on your car about every year or even more often if there is a lot of rain where you live.
Think about finding a mechanic who does repairs in his or her own garage. If they have auto repair experience they can provide quality work, and they will usually charge you less for labor. This can save you a lot of money, and at the same time, help out a small auto shop instead of letting a big shop profit.
Ask people you know about experiences they have had with repairing their cars. You may get some great recommendations from friends and family. You’ll still need to do some investigating. You should at least check out the mechanic’s reputation online.
Ask about prices and labor rates before you give your keys to a mechanic. Some shops have their rates in conspicuous places, so read carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something. Also find out how you are to be billed. They may be from a manual written by the car’s manufacturer. Some “minor” repairs can take all day according the the estimates of the manufacturer.
Be certain to understand when your oil needs changing. The oil should be replaced after so many miles, and it is important that you keep track. It can vary a bit between different vehicles and cars go much longer between oil changes than they used to. But you must do them when recommended.
Also know that doing the auto repairs yourself can prove rather dangerous. Always have a buddy nearby that can assist you if there is an emergency. Buy good quality tools that will not break easily. This is very important for the tools you need to change a tire. Remember that you need a jack that can hold the vehicle up especially when you need to get under it. This is why you should get a high quality hydraulic jack with stands.
Check the car’s tire pressure whenever you fill up the tank. Make sure there are no objects embedded in your tires at the same time. It is important to get your tires fixed right away if there is something wrong. Driving around with bad tires is not something you should ever do.
Prior to having a car repaired, take pictures of all parts of it. Sometimes shady mechanics supplement their income by stripping a car of its more expensive parts. You are safer if you have documentation of the condition of your car prior to having any work done on it.
If someone claims the parts they sell last a lifetime, run away. This is often just a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from vulnerable consumers. One example of this is transmission fluid. You will need to change your fluid as it is not an unlimited resource.
Not many people read their car manual. Go over this manual and mark the important pages that deal with information on maintaining your vehicle. Your manual has all that you should know when it comes to maintaining your car and doing minor repairs yourself.
If you’re concerned about your mechanic, look at AAA. They will send out a tow truck if you break down and can help you find a reputable mechanic. In fact, you’ll find that many times, AAA has set discounts to lower your out of pocket expenses.
For things that aren’t too difficult to repair, like putting fluids in your car, you should be afraid to take care of these things. It’s a falsehood that only mechanics are qualified to perform routine maintenance. Learn how to do the job before beginning, but understand that it may be dirty.
In conclusion, you do not need to spend a fortune to have your car repaired if it breaks down. Quite often you can solve basic issues right in your own garage. Use these tips to get your car up and running again.