Car Repair: What You Should Know Before You Pay

You probably think of your vehicle as one of the best things in your life because you need it to to go places. Perhaps you are not very knowledgeable in the automotive field. If this is true, then you have found a great article on how you can do some simple car maintenance.

Do not let a mechanic work on your vehicle unless they are A.S.E. certified. If a mechanic has this certification, then they have taken a test and have a minimum of 2 years experience. This will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.

Don’t sign anything until you know the total cost of repairs. When you’re not sure, ask until you feel clear. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

TIP! Keep a good battery charger on hand at all times. Dead batteries are a common occurrence and you’d be able to aid other drivers who have broken down.

Remember that getting OEM parts is important. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. What saves you a bit of money in the short term, may end up costing you dearly in the long term.

If you’re headlights are giving off dull light, they may just be dirty. Sometimes there is a residue that covers them from the streets and that can make them dirty so they cannot put out enough light. Use glass cleaner to wash any dirt away from them.

Always think of how to fix your car’s problems yourself before trying to get it repaired. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.

TIP! If you are considering working with a new auto repair shop, ask the mechanic if they are experienced in working with your specific vehicle. If they have worked on the same type vehicle you have, they will know which areas to check first on your car.

If you’re having major service performed by an auto repair shop, always get more than one estimate for the job being done. Although shops usually can be trusted, you could end up having to pay extra money that you don’t have. Find a shop that specializes in your particular make of car. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.

Try finding a reliable mechanic who works from their own garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. This savings in labor costs can add up to hundreds. It also supports a small independent business.

Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. People you know can give you some recommendations, making your search simpler. You’ll still need to do some investigating. At the minimum, take a look online to see what others are saying about the shop as well.

TIP! Always keep records each time your car is repaired. Should your vehicle encounter other problems down the line, it will helpful for the auto technician to see past records.

Keep in mind that DIY repairs for your car are risky. Work with someone nearby if you do plan to work on your car. Buy quality tools that are durable and reliable. In particular, only use the best equipment for changing tires. Keep in mind that the jack must hold the car up securely, particularly if you’re under it. Thus, hydraulic jacks and jack stands are important to have.

Take multiple pictures of your car before taking it to a new shop. Though most shops won’t strip a car, others do it to make more money. Because of this, it is advisable to get proof of what you vehicle looked like before it goes to the shop, just in case.

Don’t trust any claims that a part will last you a lifetime. This is usually a ploy to get more money from you. For instance, some cars have “lifetime” transmission fluid. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you should still change it every 80,000 miles or so.

TIP! Look out for signs that your mechanic isn’t very good. If you’re receiving double-talk when you ask them a question, they are probably not the mechanic for you.

Have you heard of the term OEM? Well, OEM is a term used to describe car components that come from the original manufacturer. This is good to know whenever your car or truck requires new parts. When you tell your mechanic that OEM parts are what you want, you sound like you have some knowledge. They will be less likely to place used parts in your automobile.

You should be consistent with where you get your car repaired. Try not to jump around to different mechanics every time something is wrong. Not all shops will give your car the same diagnosis for it’s problems. In addition, different shops may charge a different price for the same repair.

To feel safe on the road when your car breaks down, look into signing up for AAA. If you need towing or car repairs, this can be a lifesaver. A lot of the time you’ll see that AAA can help you with discounts so you don’t pay as much out of pocket.

TIP! Always get a second opinion, a reputable mechanic will not be offended because he knows his diagnosis will be confirmed. Although most repair shops can be trusted, you do not want to have to spend some more unnecessary repairs.

Always keep your ears open to the noises coming from your car. Noise is something that can indicate a problem if you know what to listen for. If you can describe the sound to your mechanic you can save yourself some money by making it easier for them to diagnose the problem.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to take good care of your vehicle. Just by learning some basic auto repair tricks, you can save lots of money. Apply what you’ve just learned here, and you’ll be confident making repairs going forward.

Car Repair: What You Should Know Before You Pay