How To Avoid Common Auto Repair Mistakes
When your vehicle breaks down, you must get it to run again. Being stuck without a working vehicle makes getting around very difficult. However, it's not usually necessary to pay a bunch of money when you need repairs. There are certain repairs you can even do yourself.
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Do you have a hard time starting your car? Your battery probably needs to be recharged or replaced. You need to check the state of charge of your battery. You can use a hydrometer or a voltmeter depending on the type of battery you have. If you have been regularly recharging your battery, it might be time for a new one.
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.
See if the prospective mechanic has experience with your type of car. If the answer is yes, that's a very good thing.
If you notice your windshield wipers are not removing all the water from your windshield when it rain, you may need to replace the blades. This is a simple fix anyone can do. Measure the blades and purchase new ones from an auto supply store. Remove the old ones and snap the new ones in place.
Do not make the mistake of having someone fix your vehicle just because the amount they charge is cheaper than everyone else. Many times the low prices make up for the lack in quality work. Doing research on the repair shop in question will help you decide if that is the case here.
If you're headlights are giving off dull light, they may just be dirty. Your headlights will get covered in greasy residues if you do not clean them regularly. Use glass cleaner to clean them, and you will notice a big difference.
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.
Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. You should definitely have the tools necessary to change a tire, if you need to. Make sure you have a wrench that can loosen the lug nuts on your tires. Then have a screwdriver kit, socket wrench kit, ratchet set, torque wrench and adjustable wrench, too. Don't buy inexpensive tools. If you buy high quality tools, they will not break when you really need them.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires with a low pressure are a very dangerous liability. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a month or anytime you notice a tire seems to be losing air. Invest in new quality tires if you often have to adjust the pressure in your tires.
There are many "backyard" mechanics out there that preform excellent auto repairs. If they possess sufficient experience, they can typically do jobs for far less cost. This could easily save you hundreds of dollars and help someone out by giving your business to them instead of a big shop.
Keep a basic repair kit in your car trunk at all times. A simple kit consisting of wrenches, jumper cables, screws, and a jack can be a lifesaver if your car breaks down on the road. This will allow you to make small repairs on the spot, saving you the cost of an expensive tow truck.
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.
When your car gives you trouble, you don't necessarily have to take it to an expensive mechanic. If you take care of the problem yourself, you can save a lot of money. Use the things you've gone over here and you should be back to driving in no time.