Your car is a lot for you have to care for. Maybe you don’t know much about cars and their repair. This article is the basics of simple auto-maintenance.Get a reliable battery charger to keep in your vehicle. Learn how to find connection points so that you can use the batter charger.Make sure you do not neglect the radiator in your car. Run your engine for several minutes, turn off the engine and then open the hood. You never open up the radiator of a car that is running. Check the radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water prior to adding it.When choosing a mechanic, ask if they’ve worked on your model of car before. If the answer is yes, that’s a very good thing.Wash your car regularly to prevent rust. All cars eventually succumb to rust, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Use a decent wax to protect your paint jobs as much as possible.Keep your car records handy. You want to store them in the glove compartment for easy access. The auto shop will want to look at those records. This will help them assess the problem quicker diagnostic processes.If you notice your headlights do not shine as brightly as they used to, be sure they’re clean. Use a quality glass cleaner to get the situation dramatically.Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. When you need to go to an auto repair shop, the professionals you are dealing with will want to know certain information regarding your car. You can find the information you need to know in your owner’s manual.Look out for the warning signs that your mechanic is not as competent as you might hope. If you are being talked to in circles and your questions aren’t answered, you may not be dealing with the best person. You should feel like you can trust them, so go elsewhere.Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or taillight is much cheaper when you both time and money. It is easier on some vehicles than others, but it is much less expensive than hiring someone else to do it. See if anyone you know can tell you how it’s done.Be sure to change your oil change schedule. You have to change it regularly get the oil changed to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly. If your oil is not changed on a regular basis, your car could stop working much earlier than expected.Do not pay an auto mechanic until you have test driven your car to be sure they did their job. Many people fail to do this and they end up having the same problem that they had before taking the car in to get it repaired.Some untrustworthy shops will give you old tires in the place of your tired with even older ones. They will profit off of your oblivion. Mark your tires before taking your car to an auto shop. If there is no chalk when your service is complete, then you know things aren’t right.Don’t allow auto mechanics to persuade you that getting an engine flushed when it doesn’t need it. This is a pricy process that isn’t necessary unless you have neglected engine like not changing the oil regularly.OEM is the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this when you need to have parts replaced. You sound like a knowledgeable person on repairs if you ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. This will allow you to have less of a chance at getting used auto parts from someone.Check with your mechanic to see of they have experience working with the make of your vehicle. Though there are lots of universal concepts, a large SUV requires different knowledge than a compact car does. If you aren’t sure, take your car to get serviced at the dealer.
It is possible that there was a recall issue if multiple people report the same problem.The manufacturer may fix your car free of charge.When you have work done on your car, ask for evidence of the old part. If he won’t, you have no way of knowing if the parts have actually been replaced. This is not a good sign and you should tell him out on it.Set cash limits on what car work can be done without your authorization.Don’t simply allow the shop to make whatever repairs they want after your drop off your car. Set a dollar amount which cannot be exceeded if they don’t call you by phone first.Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your car. Your tool kit should have equipment to change a tire and other necessary items. You need to get yourself a lug nut wrench and a jack, as well. 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. You don’t want to settle for buying cheap tools. Choose tools which will last the test of time, especially when they’re required.Always ask questions when dealing with a mechanic. How long does the repair take them? What type of work are they doing for you? How much will the auto parts cost? Ask them anything else that you can think of.If you find a repair shop that does good work, then you need to return there every time. You will get discounts for being a loyal customer.
Windshield Washer
Always get a second opinion, a reputable mechanic will not be offended because he knows his diagnosis will be confirmed. While a lot of shops are trustworthy, there are some that will charge you for unneeded repairs. If possible, find a mechanic who is specialized in the make and model you have or in the kind of problems you are encountering. Shops like this may understand your car’s needs better.Do not use water in the compartment for windshield washer fluid. Water is great for the body, but it may damage the compartment since it is designed to use special fluid. Check the windshield washer compartment often to refill it as needed. Do not insist when the compartment is empty.When you are quoted by a mechanic, get them to separate the cost of the parts from the labor costs. This will make things easier when comparing quotes. The cost of the actual parts should be close, but the labor is where you will find the deal.The first obstacle you have to face with your car’s repairs is your mechanic. You never want to enter into business with a bad vibe. Be careful of anyone that speaks fast, ignore questions and won’t make eye contact with you.Pay attention to your wiper blades. If your windshield wipers are not cleaning your windshield probably or if they make a lot of noise, you need to replace them. You should replace wiper blades at least once a year or more often if you live in an area where rain is commonplace or if you notice your wiper blades are worn out.This will help keep your carpet staining from mud and dirt. These are a big help during winter and rainy seasons.When washing your vehicle, remove the mats and beat them a few times with the water hose. Dirt particles are easily lodged inside the rubber surface and that can eat through it after a while. Holes don’t look good and let dirt to have a clear path to the carpet beneath.It is very important that you take good care of your automobile. Taking the time to learn how to do easy fixes can save quite a few dollars in the long run. Apply this advice when car issues hit, and you will be just fine.Look at flashing lights on your dashboard and learn what each one signifies. They’re there for a reason. Problems will worsen if you simply ignore them.