Learn What It Takes To Fix Your Car |
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Wendy Miller
April 11, 2014
Problems with your car represent one of the most frustrating things that can happen during the course of a day. But, if you have a simple understanding of auto repair techniques and standards, you will be able to handle them with relative ease. Keep reading to gain additional information about getting your car the repairs it needs.
One of the most important qualifications to look for in a mechanic is the ASE certification. They have passed tests and have at least two years experience under their hat. You will then know that you are dealing with a trained professional.
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.
Make sure that you wash your car frequently to reduce rust and corrosion. When you keep your car clean, rust will be held back. A good wax is your best friend: a friend that will protect that shiny new paint job for a long time.
When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.
Look up reviews online for body shops in your area. This is a good way of getting an idea on what other customers think of the mechanic's skills and customer service. You can use online reviews to find an auto repair shop that you are comfortable giving your business to.
Keep well-organized records on your car. You should have readily available records of everything in regards to maintaining your car when seeing a mechanic. Well-organized records can help them diagnose an issue correctly the first time. Unorganized records may lead to repeat repairs and lots of wasted money and time.
Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. You may get a few recommendations from your friends and family that make your search easier. However, make sure you still do your own investigations on anyone that they recommend. You should at least check out the mechanic's reputation online.
Be sure to ask for detailed pricing estimates before leaving your car with a mechanic. Some repair shops display their rates, so read them carefully and be sure to ask about anything you don't fully understand. You will need to know what to expect on the final bill. Some shops have estimated repair times that are established by specific manufacturers. Sometimes, minor jobs may take longer than indicated.
Be sure that you make a note of your oil change schedule. Look at your car's manual to see when the manufacturer recommends oil changes. If you don't change it, your car could stop working much earlier than expected.
Always research the reputation of any auto repair shop you are considering using to have your car serviced. If you are a AAA member, you can find a list of approved shops on their website. You can also download an app for your smartphone like Repairpal to view ratings for different repair shops.
Original Equipment Manufacturer is often referred to as OEM. You need to know this when replacing parts. If you ask for OEM parts, it will look like you know what you're talking about. This tells the mechanic that you know what you're talking about and don't want used parts.
Invest in a detailed repair manual for your vehicle. Even if you are not comfortable enough to fix your car yourself, you will at least get a better idea of how your car runs and perhaps diagnose a few problems yourself. Being knowledgeable will help you recognize an honest mechanic too.
There is no denying the fact that car trouble has the power to cause great irritation and disruption when it strikes. The key to handling such situations skillfully is possessing a good knowledge base about auto repair and how to facilitate it. Hopefully the information you read above has provided you with just that.