Auto Repair: How To Keep Your Car In Shape
When you have the keys to your car, the world is your oyster. You can go anywhere and do anything you want, whenever you want. The flip side of this coin, is the possibility of unexpected breakdowns and inconvenience. The tips in this article are going to help you to get your car back into great shape.
When doing your own work on your automobile, you want to make sure you never take things too far in error. You're saving yourself some money by doing it yourself, but if you're not sure about something, you need to find out or let a professional handle the matter. You could end up costing yourself so much money.
If you hear a squealing sound when you step on your brakes, it is likely that you need new brake pads or rotors. Do not wait to have a mechanic check your brakes. There will be more damage to pay for and it is also dangerous to drive your car if your brakes are not functioning properly.
Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If you aren't sure about anything, ask for clarification. You don't want to be hit with unexpected charges after the repairs are done.
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.
You should keep your car's records in a handy location. It is a good idea to leave these in the glove compartment because you never know when your car has to go to the shop suddenly. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. These documents can help the mechanic figure out the problem quicker.
Be open to asking any questions that cross your mind. Auto repair is a very complex thing. You will have questions, and don't feel intimidated about asking them. If you don't, you may not completely understand why the repairs were needed in the first place or how costly the current situation really is.
The Automotive Service Excellence logo is a sign that you have found a good mechanic. Mechanics have to successfully pass an exam and maintain an excellent record to receive this logo. Not all good mechanics get this certification but you should still try finding a mechanic who is ASE certified.
You should not wait too long before changing the windshield wiper blades on your car. Failing to do this may cause them to work improperly the next time it is raining outside, which can lead to an accident. It is a good idea to change them every couple of years/
Always shop around and get a second opinion before paying for an expensive repair. Fees can be hidden and need to be detailed. You must know what you're being billed. Some shops provide repair time estimates established by manufacturers. A manufacturer may consider a relatively minor repair to be an all day job.
Be sure you know how often the oil needs changing. In order for your vehicle to run as well as possible, you need to have the oil changed regularly. When you skip an oil change, your car's life is shortened.
Do not worry if you find a puddle of water under your car. Puddles are usually caused by condensation from your air conditioning system. You should worry if you have not been using your air conditioning system or if you find puddles of water under your car on a regular basis.
Avoid being run over by your own car! When you jack your car up, be sure to set your emergency brake. Place bricks behind the tires you are not working on to keep your car from rolling. Keep a set of wedges or three or four bricks in the trunk of your car in case you have to change a flat tire on a hill.
OEM is also known as the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this term. Talking about OEM parts makes you look knowledgeable. This will allow you to have less of a chance at getting used parts from someone.
If you take your car into a shop, expect to be asked about additional service. However, you don't have to take them up on this. Simply get done what you need to get done. If you feel someone is pressuring you too much, move on. While it is their job to try and sell you on as much as possible, you need to feel good with whoever you are working with.
Just because your car has stopped working temporarily does not mean that you have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars getting it repaired. You can often take care of the problems by yourself. Use these tips to get your automobile back on the road.