Your vehicle could end up costing you a lot if you do not take good care of it. In addition to knowing some basic facts about your car, there are other things that can help you out. Keep reading to find out how you can save time and money down the road.
Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. If you don't understand something, make sure to clarify it first. If you do not communicate with your mechanic, you might be surprised with additional fees once you receive your bill.
A record of maintenance and repairs should be in your car. One good place to keep them is in a folder in the trunk right above your spare tire. Professional mechanics will ask to review the records. The records can help them determine what is wrong with your car.
Make sure you are receiving OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. Though you may think you are getting a deal with generic parts, in the long run, you will end up paying double than you would have if you had gotten OEM parts.
Pay attention to your wiper blades. If your windshield wipers are not cleaning your windshield probably or if they make a lot of noise, you need to replace them. In general, new wipers should be put on your car about every twelve months.
Remove fluffy, fun key chains or have it so that your car key can be removed from the bunch. The ignition cannot hold the weight of a big key chain. If your keys stick, take off some of the charms!
Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you're dealing with. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. Do not ignore them, as this can put your safety in danger.
Try not to do many repairs by yourself on your car. Always have a buddy to help you. Buy good quality tools that will not break easily. This is particularly important for tools that you use to change your tires. The jack you buy needs to support your vehicle well. A good investment is to purchase a hydraulic floor jack and use jack stands after elevating the car.
Become educated on car-part classifications. The classification of parts include new, rebuild and reconditioned, and salvage. New parts are brand new and made to the manufacturer's specification. Refurbished parts are ones that have been repaired. "Salvage" means that it came off a car and hasn't been fixed.
If you have been having minor car issues, you should have them checked out. The problem might get worse if you do not get it fixed quickly, or your diagnosis might not be correct.
Do not allow an auto repair technician to convince you that getting your engine flushed is a normal maintenance process. This service is expensive and it may not be necessary.
Don't buy any parts that come with a promise of lasting a lifetime. This may simply be a money making racket. Lifetime deals are typically not legitimate. While the transmission fluid will last quite a while, it won't last forever. It is best to change it at the 80,000 mile mark.
Take some time before you make your decision on your auto repair. Contact other shops or dealerships to ask what they charge for the repairs the first shop is advocating. If you can get the work done cheaper, bring your car elsewhere. Just be sure to pay the mechanic for the labor involved in the diagnosis.
Be sure that you get a written estimate whenever your repairs will be over a couple hundred dollars. Getting the estimate in writing can help you if ever you have to complain about the mechanic. In addition, your mechanic will likely not perform unnecessary repairs whenever he or she already has a written quote.
As said previously, learning the fundamentals of auto repair will benefit you later on. 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. So keep these tips handy, and next time, you will be able to repair your car yourself.
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