Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and not knowing anything about auto repair will just make that investment more expensive. In addition to understanding everything about your car’s make and model, you can learn other things. Read this article so you can save money and time!
Be sure that you have an A.S.E. certified mechanic before they are allowed to work on your vehicle. 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 means a top professional is doing your repairs.
Check your radiator frequently. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.
To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. When you keep your car clean, rust will be held back. A good wax is your best friend: a friend that will protect that shiny new paint job for a long time.
Try to find out what is causing the a problem with your vehicle before taking it to the shop. Being able to diagnose the problem, even if you can’t fix it, can help you from being fleeced by an unscrupulous mechanic. Unfortunately, some shops are less than honest when diagnosing issues.
Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. The majority of new cars have them automatically. Being stuck with a flat tire is not something anyone hopes for. Paying for someone to help is expensive. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.
Replace your light bulbs on your own. It’s easy in some vehicles, and it’s a lot cheaper than having someone else do it. Ask someone you trust if he can teach you how to fix these problems.
Independent mechanics can be great. For basic repairs they can charge far less and you both can be happy. This can save you a lot of money, and at the same time, help out a small auto shop instead of letting a big shop profit.
See if any of your friends or family members have had a positive experience at a particular auto shop. They have used mechanics before and can fill you in on their experiences. You should still do your research however. At least try to find some online reviews on the shops that they recommend.
Be sure to change your oil often enough. Oil changes are important so your car can run smoothly. When you skip an oil change, your car’s life is shortened.
As this article has explained, you should achieve a lot of benefits if you put forth the effort to learn more about auto repair. You can be a lot more self-sufficient using this knowledge, and this could help your wallet out too! When performing do-it-yourself auto repairs, make use of these tips.