Don't Get Stranded! Use These Great Auto Repair Tips
It is sometimes hard to see the light when your automobile breaks down. No one wants to face car repairs, whether you are handy enough to do them on your own or have to get someone to do them for you. It all costs money, and you need to keep reading to learn how you can better handle auto repairs.
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When you are shopping for a repair shop, take into consideration whether they have worked on the same type of car as yours. If they have done so, this should inform you that they know what your car needs to work properly.
Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that's easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don't drive in areas with high water levels. Don't start your car if it's been exposed to flood waters.
When taking your car to the mechanic for repairs, never leave valuables in the car. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Take all items out of your trunk, too.
Keep a repair kit in the car at all times. You need to have tools to change a tire, which have come along with your car. Get a lug wrench or a jack. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Avoid cheap tools. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.
Never go with the first estimate you receive. Do not pay extra money for a service that can be performed at a fraction of the cost. Seek out shops that are reputable and are good with your vehicle's make and model. There's a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.
You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.
Make sure that the auto repair shop you go to offers a warranty on their services. There are plenty of repair shops that will do a shoddy job, and there is nothing you can do about that if you have no warranty. A warranty will give you the opportunity to get the problem fixed for no charge.
If you see a small problem in your vehicle, you should take your car in to check it out anyway. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.
Lots of shady shops are willing to take tires and put cheap ones on instead. They usually do this to make a quick buck from you. Before going in, chalk tires in order to mark them. If your chalk is missing when you go to retrieve your vehicle, you've been taken.
Keep an eye on the wet puddles under your car. Color and consistency may help you figure out the issue. If it's pastel blue, yellow-green or fluorescent-orange, it may be an antifreeze leak due to a bad hose, leaking radiator, or water pump, or an overheated engine. Dark brown or black oily puddles can mean a bad gasket or seal is causing the leak. Red oily puddles are usually caused by a power-steering or transmission fluid leak. Clear puddles usually aren't anything to worry about, as they may be condensation from the vehicle.
Be sure to get a written estimate from your auto mechanic before he does nay work on your car. Even if he tells you a price verbally, you should try getting it down on paper. Many states do not allow anyone to charge too much more than the estimate given at the beginning.
Be sure that you get a written estimate whenever your repairs will be over a couple hundred dollars. This written estimate is useful in the event a complaint must be filed against your mechanic. Mechanics aren't as likely to charge you for unrequested repairs as well.
Top mechanics advise that you look for a mechanic who displays an honest demeanor. They say that, in addition to good BBB ratings and proper licensing and certification, a good mechanic is simply "up-front". Mechanics who avoid eye contact, don't give straight answers and disregard your concerns should be avoided.
Do you feel like you can make a better decision now next time your car is in need? If you have been duped in the past, then you are going to be more cautious and choose wisely. You know based on what you've read that you can take care of things right this next time.