If you could fix your television or computer by yourself without taking it to a repair specialist, would you do it? Of course- it saves time and money! The same applies to your car. Read this article for tips on how to learn simple auto repair in order to save yourself a headache.
Do not underestimate the importance of having an emergency kit in your car. You should put together a kit that includes the tools you need to change a tire, charge your battery and put more gas in your tank. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.
Read your owner's manual thoroughly if you want to save money on auto repair. In this manual, you can find a lot of tips and tricks that can get your car back into gear and save you a trip to the mechanic. Fixing issues on your own can help you in both a practical and monetary sense.
Don't pay money for air. Familiarize yourself with the correct air pressure of your car tires and invest in an air compressor. Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated on your own. Being able to do this yourself on a regular basis will save you money in terms of wear and tear and regular maintenance.
When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.
Have records for your car on hand. 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 mechanic will need to refer to these records. They aid in speeding up the diagnosing process.
Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.
Do not leave any items in your vehicle if you are taking it to be repaired. Some of these items may need to be removed so the mechanic can do his work, and the shop is not responsible if anything is lost. Clear out your trunk, too.
Try to find an auto repair shop that is located close to where you live or work. This may not seem like a big deal, but you do not want to have a hard time getting there when it is time for you to go and pick up your vehicle after it is repaired.
Keep a basic repair kit in your car trunk at all times. A simple kit consisting of wrenches, jumper cables, screws, and a jack can be a lifesaver if your car breaks down on the road. This will allow you to make small repairs on the spot, saving you the cost of an expensive tow truck.
Even if you aren't particularly handy, there are a few DIY repairs that almost anyone can do. For example, changing the windshield wiper blades is really just a matter of snapping off one set and snapping on another. Look in your user's manual or use a measuring tape to determine what size you need. Don't be dismayed if the store where you purchase your windshield wiper blades only has one in the right size. You can use one that is an inch shorter on the passenger side of your windshield without causing any problems.
It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Many people ignore smaller issues, and they eventually lead to much larger issues.
When auto repair issues are complicated, don't diagnose them yourself. Keep in mind that you aren't an expert. What can seem like it's simple to fix may be a lot harder, especially if the vehicle is newer. You can tell them your opinion, but leave the diagnosing of problems to the experts. Give your mechanic plenty of details on the issues you are encountering but do not diagnose the issue yourself.
Make sure your car is ready for winter. The cold can be very hard on the vehicle's system so you should properly maintain it. Some things you should do are check the tires, check the antifreeze, replace old wipers, and inspect windshield washer fluid. Driving is hard enough in the winter, so make things easier by making sure your vehicle can handle the harsher weather conditions.
Always get a second opinion before you have an expensive repair done. No one is perfect, so there is a chance that the shop is wrong about what is needed done. Additionally, you may be able to find someone to do the work for a far cheaper price than what your original shop quoted you.
Be sure to get a written estimate from your auto mechanic before he does nay work on your car. Even if he tells you a price verbally, you should try getting it down on paper. Many states do not allow anyone to charge too much more than the estimate given at the beginning.
Keep your speed low during the initial 1,000 miles from the dealership. This is known as the break-in period and is a delicate period. Take it easy with your car during these first 1,000-2,000 miles and then feel free to tear it loose. Of course, this is only if you want to keep your car in top-condition for as long as possible.
As said in the beginning of this article, learning how to repair things on your own makes life much easier in the long run. Besides saving money, you can get a sense of pride from fixing your car yourself. Remember the tips in this article so you can use auto repair whenever you need it!
Orignal From: Superior Tips For Those In Need Of Auto Repairs
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