Auto Repair 101: What You Need To Know

 

 

When most people think of auto repair, they imagine a shady mechanic looking at their vehicles and charging extra for parts and repairs. This is only one of the possible experiences one can have with auto repair. The included advice will show you how to get good auto repair from a mechanic.

 

 

Keep your car's owner manual handy. Knowing vital car information can really help when something unexpected occurs. If you know your car's controls, you may even avoid a trip to a mechanic. If you do need a mechanic, you should have the make, model, and trim level available so that they can figure out things like your transmission configuration, size, etc. much quicker.

 

Request OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it's impossible to know whether or not they'll hold up as well as OEM parts. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

 

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. Basic tools that should be included are tire changing tools. You need to purchase a lug wrench and a jack if you do not have them. You will need several screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Always purchase quality tools. Instead, buy better quality, sturdy tools that will not break when you need them to repair something.

 

When you need a major repair done, get numerous estimates. Although most auto shops are reliable, you don't want to pay too much. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle's make. These shops are the best ones to use.

 

Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you're dealing with. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.

 

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.

 

A dent or scratch in a plastic bumper is very easy to fix. Start by cutting the bits that stick out from the dent until the edges are smooth. You can then use a filler to make the dent disappear. Sand over the area and paint to hide the repair.

 

Ask about the warranties associated with any new parts going into your car. Most new parts will include a warranty. If something goes wrong with that part after the repair, you'll be covered for the replacement. Know how long the warranty is good for and if there are any stipulations tied to it.

 

Be sure to verify that the shop that you is properly licensed. If they are not, there is probably a reason for it, which could range from fraud to faulty repairs. Never use a shop that does not hold all of the licenses that they should in order to operate as a business.

 

OEM is the abbreviation of Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this when you need a part replaced on your car. Your mechanic will consider you as a knowledgeable customer if you ask for OEM parts. They will be less likely to place used parts in your automobile.

 

When it comes to the brakes on your car,the last thing you want to do is to let it go. Pay attention immediately to any unusual noise or change in pressure when you apply the brakes. The sooner you deal with the issue, the less severe it will be, saving you money as well alleviating safety concerns.

 

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.

 

Knowledge of your car's parts is key to recognizing issues. It may even be a good idea to take a car repair class at the local community college. While this does require a bit of an investment, you should save money later on because you will have some idea of what is going on with your car. This allows you to easily fix any problems.

 

Don't let your trip to the mechanic turn into a bad experience. Your car's life is on the line, so why not do everything you can to make sure it survives? The only way to do this, is to use the above advice. You'll get the best mechanic and the best auto repair service possible.