Dealing with auto repairs can create quite the hassle. Considering how expensive they can be, you might not know how you should handle your repairs. Whether you hire a professional or decide to do-it-yourself, it’s important that you think about the important factors of your decision. Continue reading to find out more.
Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. This shows that a mechanic has passed a special test for competence and also shows he or she has at least two years experience as a mechanic. This will let you know that the best possible person is working on your automobile.
If you hear a squealing sound when you step on your brakes, it is likely that you need new brake pads or rotors. Do not wait to have a mechanic check your brakes. There will be more damage to pay for and it is also dangerous to drive your car if your brakes are not functioning properly.
It is important to maintain the level of your brake fluid. The brake fluid compartment is usually close to the engine and should be checked regularly. Make sure the compartment is two third full and add more brake fluid if you need to. There might be a leak in your system if you often need to add more brake fluid.
To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Wax the paint job to protect it.
When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.
If you are worried about an auto body shop puffing up the amount of work that needs to be done, go and get free diagnostics from somewhere else. Since there is no guarantee you will get work done by them, they have no reason to claim there is more needed than necessary.
Always ask about the certification and the insurance of a mechanic before letting them fix your car. If something goes wrong, the mechanic’s insurance will cover damages and usually provides you with a car you can drive until yours is fixed. A mechanic who is not certified does not have an insurance either.
Just like at the doctor, you can get a second opinion before agreeing to costly repairs. A reputable shop should not be padding the bill, but it does not hurt to see what another professional thinks about the situation. If you are still nervous, the dealer is always an option. It will be more expensive, but they tend to someone checking over their shoulder more often.
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.
Keep accurate records on what work has been done on your car and when. Many repair shops will keep this information for you, but that only works if you see them for everything for major breakdowns to oil changes. This can help in diagnosing problems, as you can show what fixes have already been attempted.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. Basic tools that should be included are tire changing tools. Get a lug wrench or a jack. Also have a few tools like a socket set, both a regular and Phillips head screwdriver, a crescent wrench and a torque wrench. Always purchase quality tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don’t break whenever you really need them.
Make sure that the technician working on your car is knowledgeable on the make and model. Cars very greatly from one brand to the other. The only way to get the best service is to work with a technician that is well versed on the inner works of your specific automobile.
Do not ignore unusual noises you hear when driving. Clunks, screeches, clicks and pings are usually caused by loose parts. Take your car to a trustworthy mechanic and describe the noise as best as you can. Your mechanic will probably replace or adjust the parts that were causing the noise.
If you want to be sure to have an advocate on your side when you need your car serviced, consider joining the American Automobile Association or AAA. Become an AAA member if you want to save on repairs or on getting your vehicle towed. You can even get discounts for repair costs from AAA.
Always ask for a detailed bill for the repairs done to your vehicle. Go over the bill with a mechanic and ask questions if you do not understand the kind of work that was done on the car. Ask how much time was spent on each item and make sure this adds up to what you were billed for labor.
Trust your gut when choosing a mechanic. The employees at the auto repair shop should look you in the eye, make you feel comfortable, answer any questions you have clearly and provide any pricing information you request. A shop that fails to meet these basic requirements probably does not have your best interest at heart.
If you go to an auto mechanic and you are asking a lot of questions, take notice of his demeanor. It is perfectly normal for people to have questions about vehicle repairs. If he seems like he is bothered by you asking questions, you should probably go elsewhere to get your repairs done.
It is time for you to focus on getting your priorities in order when dealing with car repairs. Your automobile is a complex vehicle, and it needs the right care. Use the tips and advice that have been presented to you here so that you can make sure you’re ready next time.