Does the thought of auto repair make you feel at a loss? If this is you, then there is no reason to continue on like that. Put yourself in the drivers seat with the sound advice about auto repairs found below.
Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic. This means the technician has completed a test and has more than two years of experience. That means only the best will work on your car.
Don't take an emergency car kit for granted. It should have tire changing tools, a battery charger and tools to top up your gas tank. Blankets, matches, a flashlight, extra batteries, cans of food and some water help, too.
You must keep good track of all your car records. 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. Professional mechanics are going to ask for those records. These documents can help the mechanic figure out the problem quicker.
Look for online body shop reviews for any business you're thinking of patronizing. This lets you know how other customers have felt. The knowledge can be very helpful when it comes time to make a final decision on which place to go to with your car.
Never leave any valuables in your car when it is getting repaired. Mechanics may need to take these items out to do the work and they aren't responsible if you discover something missing. You want to remove items from your trunk also.
Take off all of your keychain charms; just use your key. You don't want to put all that extra weight on the car's ignition. Heavy keys become sticky keys which leads to tumbler replacement.
Don't put off washing your vehicle during the winter time. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Sand, salt, and other debris are going to be working hard towards making your vehicle start to rust. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.
Doing vehicle repairs yourself can also be rather risky. Always have a buddy nearby that can assist you if there is an emergency. Spend a little more on tools of high quality that will not fall apart. This is very true for things such as tire changing tools. Remember that your jack needs to hold your car up very securely, especially if you are going to be underneath the car. That's why sometimes it's best to get a hydraulic jack that comes with jack stands that are approved.
Paying for expensive parts means you must get a warranty with them. Ask the mechanic about your warranty in regards to parts they're ordering for your car. See how long that warranty lasts and get a printed copy of that contract to review it.
Check to see that the technician is certified. In particular, you should look to see that the National Institute for Automotive Excellence has given him or her their seal of approval. It says the mechanic knows his stuff.
No matter what a mechanic tells you, be aware that flushing your engine is an exceptional procedure. It is definitely not part of your car's ordinary, routine maintenance. This service is very costly. It is not a necessary service unless you have been hard on your engine. If you do not get oil changes on a regular basis, you should have this service.
Problems seem to crop up only when the car is left with a mechanic. They do this to make it look like you are getting a good deal from them. Let them know that you will let them know, and search other shops to see if a better price is available.
Keep your mechanic receipts in a file in your glove box. With this type of file, you can seperate them chronologically, by type of maintenance and by repair, all in one place. It doesn't matter how you set up your file system since you have an accurate record of all repairs and maintenance work done on your car. This record should provide help to your auto technician when additional repairs are needed, plus it will help you if you're repairs are under warranty or if you're dissatisfied with any repair. This is particularly valuable when it is time to sell your car.
You should now have more knowledge that can help you deal with auto repairs. You have the ability to make things right and get your car back in excellent shape. Keep reading for tips on what to do when your car is in need of repair.