Auto Repair: What To Know Before You Start

Your car is something that costs you quite a bit of money and time if you don't know what it takes to care for it. Besides learning about your specific car model, you should know a few other tricks as well. Continue reading for some great tips to save money and time.

Make sure you often check the radiator. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. Use a dipstick to gauge how much radiator fluid you have, keeping in mind that most types need to be diluted with water.

Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they are able to say they've done work on a vehicle similar to yours, then they're probably aware of what kind of work is necessary to fix yours.

To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. Cars are all destined to rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Use a decent wax for protecting paint jobs as much as you can.

Keep a record of any vehicle repairs. Whenever another issue crops up, it is most helpful for your technician to take a look at this document. No records means a blank slate to go on.

Ask for OEM parts. These parts are issued by the manufacturer of your vehicle. While generic parts may be cheaper, you'll never know how good the quality is. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.

Check to see that your technician knows what he is doing. If you have trouble getting a straight answer out of them, (or if, even worse, they refuse to answer questions to your satisfaction) they probably aren't the kind of people you want to work with. You should feel like you can trust them, so don't fear seeing someone else.

Try finding a reliable mechanic who works from their own garage. As long as they have experience they can do the same work but they often charge far less for the labor. This can help the home mechanic out and save you a lot of money over the charges of bigger repair shops.

Keep in mind that any DIY auto repairs can be dangerous. Work with someone nearby if you do plan to work on your car. Invest some money in tools that are high quality to ensure good performance. Tire changing equipment definitely needs to be high grade. Also, buy a strong jack in case you need to prop your car up in an emergency. That's why sometimes it's best to get a hydraulic jack that comes with jack stands that are approved.

As you can now see, knowing auto repair basics will prove to be very beneficial. Besides the fact that you'll be able to teach people some things and know how to fix things yourself, you'll have some extra money in the end too. Make use of this advice the next time that your car needs repairs.