Taking The Fear Out Of Fixing Your Car
No more wondering what the next step is when something goes wrong with your vehicle. Auto repair is not a simple subject, but you can know how to make the right decision regarding repairs. Continue reading to find out more about what to do next time your car breaks down.
There are many how-to videos that you can turn to for auto repairs. Everything from a simple tire change to changing your fuel filter can be found in video form. These videos will take you through each step in making the repair and will save you the time and the cost of taking it to a mechanic.
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.
Be sure to read your owner's manual to find out what kinds of fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid) your car needs and to learn how to check and top these off yourself. Keep a few bottles of each fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.
If you take your car to a mechanic, make sure they have the proper licenses and credentials. Before making your appointment, check their reviews online and their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Don't just look at the positive reviews, but see how the company responds to negative feedback. Every business has the occasional problem, and if they handle the matter quickly and courteously, they may be worth a second look.
Changing a car battery is quick and easy. It usually involves unfastening a clip on top of the battery and using a wrench to loosen and remove the connectors. (Naturally, you should do this with your engine off!) Brush the connectors clean with a wire brush. Lift out the old battery and put the new battery in its place. Fasten the connectors securely and refasten the clasp. You should be good to go!
Make sure that you remind yourself of how often your oil needs to be changed. Oil changes are important so your car can run smoothly. It can vary a bit between different vehicles and cars go much longer between oil changes than they used to. But you must do them when recommended.
Check tire pressure each time you fill your tank. Inspect your tires at this time, looking for anything that has become embedded. In the event that you detect a problem, you can have it repaired before you have a blowout. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.
If you have a maintenance log, devote yourself to keeping it up-to-date. If it isn't, your car may undergo repairs that are not necessary and do nothing to help you. Further, this log is an indication to those working on your car that you expect the best for your vehicle.
Be responsible when performing DIY auto repairs. Just about every item you might replace or repair on a vehicle is environmentally unfriendly. Take care to dispose of liquids such as motor oil and coolant properly. Take used parts to your local junk yard or recycling center. Don't toss plastic bottles about the landscape. If you are unsure of where you can dispose of these items, check with your local waste disposal agency or an automotive supply store.
You need to keep track of all the repairs and transactions with your garage or dealership. If you decide to file a complaint, you will need to document what happened. Keeping these documents will also help you inform buyers about the repairs you did on the vehicle if you want to sell your car.
Lots of shady shops are willing to take tires and put cheap ones on instead. They can make money this way. Prior to taking your car to the garage, use chalk to mark your tires. If you don't have the chalk on your tires still when you pick the car up, then you know things aren't right.
Pick up a book on simple auto repairs. You may find that some smaller repairs you can do at home, especially if you are mechanically inclined. Though, don't go crazy! If it's an advanced issue, get your car to a legitimate repair shop as soon as you can. Don't make the problem worse with a shoddy repair job.
You should now be able to make the right decision next time you have a problem with your car. Don't get stuck on the side of the road. Don't overpay for your parts. Don't get duped by the side-street mechanic. Instead, get treated right with the tips that have been discussed here.