When you car has problems, you should shoot to have it on the road as soon as possible. Not having a vehicle can significantly hinder your life. However, you do not necessarily have to fork out hundreds of dollars to fix your car. There are certain repairs you can even do yourself.
Ensure your car has an emergency kit. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. In the event that your car were to break down in the middle of the night on a deserted road, bring blankets, batteries, and a flashlight.
Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Do not lift the radiator lid when the engine is running or if it is too hot. Use a dipstick to check the radiator’s fluid level, and remember to always mix water in with your coolant if need be. Some coolants come premixed.
Referrals will lead you to a great mechanic. Talk to your friends and family and ask if they have any recommendations. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. People can tell you what type of experience they had and whether the mechanic was honest or not.
Don’t leave valuables in your car while you’re having it repaired. The mechanic might need to move these things so they can do the job, and they won’t assume responsibility if anything comes up missing. You want to remove items from your trunk also.
Headlights will sometimes dim over time, but often is just a matter of cleaning them off regularly. Debris from streets can get into your lights, decreasing the light they give. A good quality glass cleaner will help to clean them right up.
Make sure your mechanic knows how to work on your make of vehicle. While basic components may be the same, there are differences between cars due to the amount of space beneath the hood. If you don’t know, make sure you go to the dealer and pay them the extra money.
Self diagnosing complex problems with your vehicle is probably something you shouldn’t attempt. You aren’t an expert! Do not assume an issue can be fixed easily, unless you have previous experience with this type of issue. Let an auto repair shop diagnose the problem. Let them know about any sounds you heard or what problems you have been having, but let them be the ones to diagnose the issue.
Be sure the mechanic you choose is properly certified. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. This indicates that they are properly trained and will give you quality service.
If you cannot afford to get your vehicle fixed, get in touch with local vocational schools that train mechanics. You will pay a very low rate to have students fix your car while being supervised by a licensed mechanic.
Get yourself an AAA membership. Become an AAA member if you want to save on repairs or on getting your vehicle towed. In fact, you’ll find that many times, AAA has set discounts to lower your out of pocket expenses.
You can replace your oil or top up your windshield fluid on your own. It is not true that these routine jobs should be left to the professionals. Learn how to do the job online, which has many resources to teach you, then jump right in.
As advised, it need not cost you the earth to get your car fixed. You can easily solve minor problems by yourself. Use these tips to get your car up and running again.