Auto repairs can seem complex and intimidating at first, but you can easily master this topic if you are ready to some time and energy into it. Gaining knowledge can really help you get over those fears. Review the tips provided here for DIY advice so you can avoid a trip to your mechanic whenever trouble strikes.
Make sure that your mechanic is A.S.E certified before you let them work on your car. Being A.S.E. certified ensures you that your mechanic has proper training and experience. That means only the best will work on your car.
Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.
Ask the tech if they’ve done work on your model and make of car before. If they are able to say they’ve done work on a vehicle similar to yours, then they’re probably aware of what kind of work is necessary to fix yours.
Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. During auto repair visits, your mechanic will probably need to gather some information from you, about your vehicle. After reading the manual, you might just find that you have an easy fix on your hands.
Keep car records handy. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. The mechanics who work on your car might need to go through these records. They can find problems much quicker that way.
Ask for OEM parts. This means that they’ve come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. It may seem like you are getting a deal now, but it may end up costing you a lot in the future.
Do not leave valuable items in the interior of your car if you need to leave it at the repair shop. Your mechanic may need these parts removed so that they can make repairs. If you discover missing items later, they hold no liability. Take all items out of your trunk, too.
Check to see that your technician knows what he is doing. If they avoid your questions or give you the run around, they may not be reliable. Make sure that you trust the person that you are working with.
Check with your mechanic to see of they have experience working with the make of your vehicle. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.
Don’t neglect wiper blades. You need new windshield wipers if they are making noises or leaving streaks. Try to replace these blades once a year so that you can drive safely in the rain.
Talk to your friends about their auto repair experiences before choosing a repair shop. The people you know can be the best help in finding a reputable mechanic. Word of mouth is important advertising. You’ll still need to do some investigating. At least look for online reviews of those recommendations.
Prior to having a car repaired, take pictures of all parts of it. Most shops are reputable but there are always a few bad apples out there. Be safe rather than sorry.
Bring your car to the auto repair shop immediately if you sense a problem, no matter how small. Often times, ignoring small issues lead directly to more serious ones.
Warranties are very important when you get your car fixed, especially if you invest in expensive parts. When the mechanic orders the parts, ask him about their warranty. Get a printed copy of the warranty and keep it in a binder with other important car paperwork.
Check that your mechanic has all of the needed certifications. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. That shows the person has some credentials and has maintained certain standards, so you will likely receive better service.
Unfortunately, some repair shops aren’t honest. They will take off your tires, only to put others on that aren’t as good. This lets them profit from your loss. Therefore, always put a little chalk on them so you can identify your tires. If the chalk isn’t present when you get the car, you’ve been had.
If you know the basics, there is no need to fear having car performance issues. You can handle problems yourself and avoid paying mechanics. So keep these tips in mind if your car develops problems again.