If you own a vehicle, you need to learn a few things about auto repairs and maintenance. Unfortunately, this is not legally required, so most people never learn these basics. This article contains some great tips for you when your car is need of repair.
Check your coolant levels frequently. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is running. Use a dipstick to gauge how much radiator fluid you have, keeping in mind that most types need to be diluted with water.
Before you hand over your car to the shop, be sure you are clear about the repair costs. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. Being hit with additional fees is something that you don’t want to be surprised with.
You don’t always have to take your car to the shop when there is an issue. There are a few things that could be fixed very easily. You can research the problem online in order to find out more about it. It’s not too hard to do, and you’ll be able to get money saved back to start repairing things.
Make sure the repair shop technician is familiar with the particular model of your vehicle. A mechanic who has experience with the make and model you are driving will be able to diagnose issues quickly.
Keep a record when your car is fixed or maintained. Should your vehicle encounter other problems down the line, it will helpful for the auto technician to see past records. If you lack such records, you may end up paying more money for diagnostic work.
Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. Modern cars come equipped with them already. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.
If you have to have a big repair done, get multiple estimates. While you can usually trust an auto repair shop, you don’t want to be paying too much money for the repairs needed. If possible, find a mechanic who is specialized in the make and model you have or in the kind of problems you are encountering. Such shops have a greater chance of knowing how to fix your car.
Take off your keychains from your car keys to reduce the weight on your ignition. Your car ignition shouldn’t have to hold so much weight. Too much weight on your keychain can cause your key to stick.
Know what your dashboard warning lights mean, and keep an eye on them. They’re there for a reason. If you ignore them, the problem will only become worse than it is now.
Owning a car includes being responsible for maintaining it and fixing it when you need to. Unfortunately, some people do not know how to find affordable auto repair or make their own repairs. Take these ideas and apply them next time you need to repair you car. You should be able to save yourself time and money in the future. Good luck.