Knowing You’re Making The Right Auto Repair Choices

Knowing You’re Making The Right Auto Repair Choices

If you drive every day, you need to know some basic things about auto repair. Unfortunately, this is not legally required, so most people never learn these basics. Thankfully, the tips below are a great start.

Check the transmission fluid every two to three months. Let your engine run and open the hood of your car. Use the transmission dipstick to check the fluid levels. If there is not enough fluid in your transmission you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It is best to take the car to a mechanic so he can locate the leak.

TIP! Be very careful when touching the electronic parts on your car. You should not touch wires unless the entire system is turned off.

If you are having work done on your car, make sure you get a written estimate beforehand. The estimate should include what is being repaired, the parts that will be needed and the anticipated cost for labor. It should also say that they will call for your approval before doing any additional work which exceeds the amount or time specified.

Do not be afraid to ask a potential technician any questions you have. It is your vehicle that they will be working on and it is important that someone with the proper qualifications is handling it with care. In addition to asking about the problem with the vehicle, ask them any other questions you have about your car.

Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. While all cars have the same basic components, there are big differences as to how they are attached and located under the hood. If you don’t think the shop you are going to really knows what they are doing, take your car to the dealer instead.

TIP! It is important to maintain the level of your brake fluid. The brake fluid compartment is usually close to the engine and should be checked regularly.

Consider how well kept an auto repair shop is when making your decisions. A sloppy shop can be a sign that the workmanship you’re about to receive will be pretty sloppy as well. Opt for the auto repair shop that keeps its floors and space clean of tools and rubble. It’s not a guarantee of great workmanship, but it’s a sure sign that your chances are better that you’ll receive the service levels you’d like.

Don’t be afraid of looking silly when you take your car into a shop. Ask plenty of questions. Make sure you know what is going on. You deserve to understand what is happening with your car, and a good technician will not mind your questions. The knowledge may come in handy in the future.

It may be a good idea to fully photograph your car internally and externally prior to taking it in for repairs. Some shops might strip your car to justify billing you for more repairs. Keep track of serial numbers on parts, just in case.

TIP! When you are going to get your car repaired at a shop, ask the technician what type of parts they plan to use to get the job done. Many places use refurbished parts, but they would be willing to use new parts if you wanted to pay the extra money.

Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.

Check a variety of sources of information before attempting an auto repair for the first time. Do a good online search, watch instructional videos and seek out books at your local library and take time to talk with an experienced mechanic before you dive in to try that repair. Once you feel comfortable with the concept, make a list of the things you need and the steps you will need to take to make the repair successfully.

If you’re having trouble coming up with money and need auto repair, call a vocational school to see if they offer this service. You will be giving students a learning experience as their teacher looks on to be sure the job is right.

TIP! 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.

To help you ensure your car is always operating as efficiently as possible, take your vehicle in for a tune up at a local service station. Allowing a professional to look at your car on a regular basis will ensure that all of your car’s parts are working properly and there are no lingering issues.

Pay attention to your check engine light! If one of your warning lights is illuminated, take that as a warning! Don’t neglect it! The warning lights on your dashboard are designed to give you early notification of potential problems. By taking your car to an auto repair shop as soon as one of these lights is lit, you can nip the problem in the bud!

If you have to drop your car off at a garage or dealership, instruct the mechanics that you wish to be called with an estimate before they do any work on your car. Do not let a mechanic convince you to pay for expensive repairs because the vehicle is already partly dismantled.

TIP! Independent garages and mechanics are usually much cheaper than dealerships. You might get a discount at your dealership if you purchased your car recently but do not make a habit of going to your dealership if you find their prices too expensive.

Auto repairs at a dealership can be very pricey. These mechanics are well-versed in repairing your make of vehicle. This makes them better able to diagnose and fix problems quickly, getting your car back to you faster. These mechanics are also subject to training programs regularly.

Don’t necessarily take your car to the most convenient place for repairs. This typically leads you to bring the vehicle somewhere that you wouldn’t ordinarily go to, and you probably won’t get the service that you deserve. If you aren’t sure about a shop, go in and have them do something small first. If you are satisfied, consider using them again.

As a car owner, it is your responsibility to keep your car in good working order. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to repair cars themselves, or even find a good mechanic. Read the above information as needed, and you will be ready for whatever comes your way.