Car repairs are one of most annoying issues that a person has to deal with. Knowledge is the key to getting quality work done on your car. Use the tips here to help you either fix the issue yourself, or to find an experienced mechanic who will not take you to the cleaners.
Battery Charger
Keep a good battery charger in your car. This is a common cause of breakdowns, and carrying a charger helps other drivers as well as yourself. Make sure you learn the points on your car where the battery charger should be connected.
You absolutely need a good emergency kit inside your vehicle. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. Add some blankets, a flashlight and some batteries in case your car breaks down at night.
Be sure and regularly check your radiator. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Look at the coolant you have in your radiator by checking it with a dipstick but remember that coolant usually needs to be mixed with water before putting it into your vehicle.
Keep your car records on hand. The glove compartment is a good place to keep these records. Professional mechanics are going to ask for those records. The records can help them figure out the problem.
Watch out for mechanics that don’t know what they’re 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. Having a mechanic you can trust is extremely important; don’t waste your time with one who can’t make you confident in his skills.
Try to learn the problem before you take your vehicle to a mechanic. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. Experience shows that mechanics sometimes falsely claim a problem exists and do an unnecessary repair, to increase their earnings.
You should have basic tools in your car at all times. Your tool kit should have equipment to change a tire and other necessary items. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. Also, you need Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a ratchet set, and various types of wrenches. Cheap tools are not worth your money. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.
If your taillight or headlight burns out, you may save a ton repairing them yourself. Having a mechanic do it is horribly expensive. Ask a friend if they’ll help you learn how its done.
Keep in mind that DIY repairs for your car are risky. Be sure someone is watching you repair the vehicle just in case something bad happens. If you buy good quality tools, they will last a long time. Nowhere is this more applicable than with the items you use to change a tire. Keep in mind that the jack you use needs to safely hold the car up, especially when you go under the car. Approved jack stands, working in conjunction with a high quality hydraulic floor jack, are the best tools for tire changes.
It can be annoying and inconvenient when your car is having issues. If you are educated about car repairs, you will be able to worry less. Know the information you just went over and you’ll know what you need to do if you encounter an issue.