Past experience have shown you the hazards you face when getting repairs done. It is hard to distinguish the dishonest mechanics from the good ones. You are in luck, however, as this information will help you next time you need to find a great mechanic.
Battery Charger
Bring a battery charger with you in your trunk. A dead battery is more common than you think and you will be able to help other broken down drivers if you have a battery charger with you. Be sure you know how to correctly connect the charger clamps to your battery and the battery you are charging.
Be sure and regularly check your radiator. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car’s running. Look at the coolant you have in your radiator by checking it with a dipstick but remember that coolant usually needs to be mixed with water before putting it into your vehicle.
You do not have to call a mechanic every time you are having car trouble. Many things can be easily fixed. You can always go online and try to diagnose the problem and educate yourself to the possibilities. If the repair is not difficult, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money.
Educate yourself on your car’s manual and bookmark important pages. When you need to go to an auto repair shop, the professionals you are dealing with will want to know certain information regarding your car. What you think may be an issue, may not be at all according to the manual.
Be careful of mechanics that do unnecessary repairs to the car. Your mechanic should contact you if they come across additional issues while fixing your car and get your approval before they go ahead and replace more parts. A mechanic who has performed this practice should never be patronized again.
Ask people you know about experiences they have had with repairing their cars. You may get some great recommendations from friends and family. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. At the very least, look to online reviews to check out how others feel about the shop in question.
Avoid fluffy, silly keychains, or find a way to separate your auto key from that bunch of keys on the chain! The ignition isn’t designed to hold tons of weight. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t appear heavy to you. Too much weight on your keychain can cause your key to stick.
It is just as important to get your car washed in winter as it is in summer. Winter can ruin the quality of your car with constant precipitation. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.
When you fill your car with gas, check tire pressure. Look at them and be sure they don’t have anything embedded in them. Any problems should be repaired pronto. Do not take a chance by driving on damaged tires.
Original Equipment Manufacturer is the meaning of OEM. When having replacement parts installed on your vehicle, you might want keep this information in mind. If you walk in and tell the mechanic that you want OEM parts, you will sound knowledgeable. They’ll rarely try to scam you as a result.
After a mechanic makes a diagnosis on your vehicle, see if you can’t get a couple of hours to make your decision on getting services. This will allow you to call around and see how much other people would charge to fix a problem similar to yours. If you can get a cheaper price, simply pay the mechanic for the work they’ve done and go somewhere else.
Use an accordion file folder to contain all auto service receipts and keep this folder in your car. You can either divide them up into basic maintenance and repairs, or just keep them in chronological order. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a detailed records of your cars maintenance history which will be helpful for future repairs. This plastic file is invaluable to you.
Any quote over $200 needs to be provided in writing. You may want to file a formal complaint, and the written quote can be proof. It can also help avoid being overcharged if the mechanic has already given you with the written quote.
To properly assess a mechanical problem with your vehicle, you need at least a rough understanding of how all the components work together. A vehicle maintenance and repair class may be an option for you if you have very little knowledge. Although you probably do not want to spend money on a class, educating yourself on car fundamentals can help you save money in the future because you will be more knowledgeable on how cars operate. With this knowledge, you can deal with things before they become big issues.
Create a budget, and tell your mechanic what it is. Don’t let the mechanic make whatever repairs they want after your drop off your car. Establish a set amount which cannot be surpassed without your authorization.
Ask Questions
When talking to a mechanic, ask questions. Don’t keep the questions about price; ask questions about the work being done and why it is needed. How long will this job take? What is the work being done? How much do the auto parts cost? Ask away. You have a right to know. Learning more about the issue is useful in case the problem arises again in the future and to show the mechanic you are informed.
Not having a running vehicle can be quite a nuisance! Use the information from the article during your next vehicle repair. It can be less stressful when you know the company you’re dealing with is a good one.
