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Have you always wanted to be able to repair your vehicle yourself? It can be done, and you may even enjoy it. You'll spend less and keep your car in great shape. Use the tips below to help you do your own car repairs.
Keep an eye on your radiator levels. To do this, you need to allow your car to run several minutes, and then turn off the engine. You are now ready to open up your hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. Check the amount of fluid in your radiator with your dipstick and remember to mix the coolant with some water.
Be aware of all of the costs prior to handing your keys over to the mechanic. When you're not sure, ask until you feel clear. You don't want any unpleasant surprises when you get your bill.
Check the radiator regularly. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car's running. Use a dipstick to gauge how much radiator fluid you have, keeping in mind that most types need to be diluted with water.
Ask for referrals to find a great mechanic. Get recommendations from family and friends. Ask about how much they paid, the quality of the repairs and the customer service. They will be the first to tell you about a dishonest mechanic too!
Think about using a mechanic who works from home. They may have learned through experience but still be competent, and are likely to have a lower labor rate. This may result in substantial savings, and you can also provide such mechanics with much-needed work.
Request OEM parts. These means they are parts that come directly from the manufacturer. While generic parts may be cheaper, you'll never know how good the quality is. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.
Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. It's easier to do in some cars, but it's more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. Ask your friends and relatives if they can help with this small repair.
Do not hand the keys over until you have talked both price and the rates for labor. Some repair shops have details about their rates posted on the walls, but you should not hesitate to ask about rates if you do not see any information. Make sure that you know exactly how you are going to be billed. They may be from a manual written by the car's manufacturer. Minor repairs can be considered jobs that require a full day of work to some manufacturers.
Some shops replace your tired with even older ones. They make money from the premise that you won't notice. Prior to going there, you should put chalk on the tires so they're marked. If the marks are gone, talk to the mechanic.
Do not let a mechanic work on your car before knowing about their prices and how much they charge for labor. Some repair shops have details about their rates posted on the walls, but you should not hesitate to ask about rates if you do not see any information. This will give you a better idea of what you will be billed. Some shops will give an estimate on the repair time based on manufacturers guidelines. While some things are considered minor repairs, the job may actually take all day.
Think about snapping some photos of your entire car prior to bringing it in for repairs somewhere. Some shops might strip your car to justify billing you for more repairs. Should something bad happen, it is helpful to have images of what your car looks like.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this when you have need to have parts on your vehicle replaced. Telling the mechanic you wish to have OEM parts will help you appear knowledgeable. This could very well prevent someone from outfitting your car with old parts.
You might want to get all problems checked out no matter how small you think it is. A small problem can become a big one if it is left unchecked.
Always be wary of sellers claiming they have auto parts that will last a lifetime. This is a lie in an attempt to take your money. As an example, some vehicles come with transmission fluid marked as "lifetime". It is true that this fluid lasts much longer than standard transmission fluid, but you will still need to change it out at around 80,000 miles.
After working on your brakes and prior to a test drive, bleed the brakes. After the bleeding process, make sure the brake fluid is pumped. Test it for leaks to ensure that no fluid can run out. If your car passes these tests, you can take it on a road that has minimal traffic. Do not accelerate until you are sure your brakes work well.
When discussing your car's problem with a mechanic, question him about the repair and why it is needed. You need a thorough understanding of the repair, not just a price quote. How long are the repairs going to take? What's being worked on? Find out how much the new parts cost. Make a long list of questions. This will not only show the mechanic that you are well informed, it will also help should the same issue pop up again.
Each time you wash the car, remove the car mats and shake them vigorously. Dirt gets trapped in the rubber, which can lead to tearing. These holes are unattractive and allow dirt to reach the carpet.
After reading this article, you should hopefully be a bit better prepared to handle the next automotive emergency that comes your way. You need to be prepared in case your vehicle needs some small repairs. If you encounter bigger difficulties, you can find a good mechanic to help you out.
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