Has your car broken down recently? If so, you are probably in need of some repair. Depending on your problem however, it may be in your best interest to tackle the problem yourself. The following article will teach you everything you need to know about making your own auto repairs.
Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. This type of certification means two years experience and also a passed written test. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.
Check the fluids in your car regularly. Check the oil level with the dipstick you can find under your hood. The dipstick should have a mark on it to indicate the ideal oil level. Add a quart of oil if you need to and check the level again after letting your car run for a few minutes.
You do not have to contact a mechanic every time you have issues with your car. Some car repairs are easy to do yourself. Research into auto repair online may help you identify the problem. If the job is not complicated, make the repairs yourself to save money.
Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that’s easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don’t drive in areas with high water levels. Don’t start your car if it’s been exposed to flood waters.
When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.
Do not use all kinds of extra key chains with your keys. Ignitions are not meant to hold so much weight. If your key begins to stick, you need to replace your tumblers and get rid of your favorite troll buddy that is weighing down your keychain!
Always keep some tail light tape around. You could get pulled over and get a ticket for a broken tail light. You should remove the light from your vehicle, replace the light-bulb if you need to and wrap the whole light in tape. This is a temporary fix but it is better than driving with a broken light.
If you need to fix a scratch or paint over an area, make sure you select the right color. Check the owner’s manual to see if you can find a code for the color of your car or look for a sticker located under the hood or on the driver’s side front door to find the color code.
Compare prices among your local auto body repair shops before you decide which on to choose. Even though labor charges are pretty uniform, the amount of time that each shop believes the repair could take could vary, as well as what they will charge you for the parts. Be sure to shop around so that you get the best deal possible.
Take the time to learn about car part classifications before seeing a mechanic. Parts can be new, refurbished, or salvaged. “New” means the part was made to the manufacturer’s specs, by the maker or by an independent retailer. Re-manufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned happen to be parts that have been restored to a decent working condition. Salvaged parts are those that have some wear and tear to them.
Don’t postpone repairs on your car. Many car parts are interrelated. Your car can be in a lot of trouble if you ignore or postpone maintenance. Your car’s individual parts or entire system can fail. Even ignoring or neglecting simple maintenance jobs like checking the coolant or changing the oil can lead to costly issues. You could even invalidate your warranty.
Do not fall prey to the notion that you have to get a tune-up at any specific time. Every car is different, and the manufacturer will indicate when you should bring the vehicle in to the shop. By following that schedule, your car is much more likely to run well.
Keep your car manual in your car. In fact, keep the manual and any other documentation your car may have, including details on past repairs, tune-ups and more. The more data points your auto repair shop has to look into an issue, the better chance that they’ll be able to give you a strong idea about what is going on with your car.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Keep this in mind when you are having parts replaced on your vehicle. Your mechanic will consider you as a knowledgeable customer if you ask for OEM parts. An unscrupulous mechanic may think better of trying to pass used parts off onto you.
When looking for a reputable automotive repair facility, only consider certified repair shops. Certifications, such as the seal for Automotive Service Excellence, are an indication that the shop has demonstrated a basic level of competence in the field of automobile repair. While such certifications are never an absolute guarantee of good service, the odds are much higher when the establishment is certified.
Request that the shop doing your auto repairs only use original equipment manufacturer, or O.E.M., parts. The additional cost compared to generic components is worth the investment in the long run. You can expect optimal performance and increased vehicle longevity when you choose parts specifically made for your car rather than generic.
Making repairs on your car yourself can be a bit nerve wracking, especially if you have never done it before. However, if you apply the tips mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you won’t be successful. Not only will it feel great to do it yourself, but you’ll save lots of money too!
