You Really Need These Auto Repair Tips
Have you ever wondered whether you could save some money doing the car repairs yourself? Have you wished you could select a better auto repair shop or be able to better diagnose the problem with your vehicle? Take the time now to keep reading about some great tips for making the right decisions when it comes to your auto repairs.
Do you have a hard time starting your car? Your battery probably needs to be recharged or replaced. You need to check the state of charge of your battery. You can use a hydrometer or a voltmeter depending on the type of battery you have. If you have been regularly recharging your battery, it might be time for a new one.
When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.
Ask a technician if they are A.S.E. certified before you agree to have them work on your vehicle. If they have this certification, it means they have passed a written test and have worked in the industry for at least 2 years. You will know that you are getting someone skilled by choosing someone with this.
If your car's electrical system is behaving strangely, try cleaning the ground cables. Auto makers use the metal body of a vehicle to act as a "ground" for the electrical system. Over time the area where this cable connects to the frame can corrode, causing a stray electrical current that can wreak havoc on your system. This cable is usually connected on the firewall or fender, so simply disconnect it and use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the contacts.
Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. Use them to your advantage, they're put there to guide you. Whatever problem they are indicating will only get worse the longer you ignore it.
Keep washing your car throughout the winter. While it probably doesn't seem like there's a point, winter time can be damaging to your vehicle. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Take care to dry your vehicle before driving it again. You wouldn't want ice to form.
Wash and wax your car on a fairly regular basis. This will prevent it from becoming eroded. Many people go get paint jobs to cover the process of erosion. You can avoid having to pay for this if you make sure that your car is very well taken care of.
Go to a repair shop you are considering for the long haul with a smaller job first. It can be something as simple as an oil change or a tire rotation. This will give you at least a better hint of their capabilities, workmanship and friendliness before a bigger issue occurs.
You do not need to purchase a new filter every time you go in to have an oil change. The auto repair person may show you a worn filter next to a new one and claim it is yours, but be firm and let them know that you do not need a new one right now.
Keep an eye on the wet puddles under your car. Color and consistency may help you figure out the issue. If it's pastel blue, yellow-green or fluorescent-orange, it may be an antifreeze leak due to a bad hose, leaking radiator, or water pump, or an overheated engine. Dark brown or black oily puddles can mean a bad gasket or seal is causing the leak. Red oily puddles are usually caused by a power-steering or transmission fluid leak. Clear puddles usually aren't anything to worry about, as they may be condensation from the vehicle.
Many people don't actually read their car manual. Go over this manual and mark the important pages that deal with information on maintaining your vehicle. This little book holds a lot of information about your vehicle.
Find out about labor rates before you let a mechanic work on your car. You should have your mechanic diagnose the issues and assess how much work will be needed. Make sure you understand how the mechanic will bill you and have a manager give you an estimate of how much labor time is needed instead of trusting a technician who is not responsible for giving quotes.
It is time to get focused on auto repair so that you know what to do when the time arrives. You want to be able to make the right decision, whether you are taking your vehicle to a shop or trying to fix it yourself. Remember all the advice that has been given to you.