When a car breaks down, your heart skips a beat. You have to pull over and try to find someone who can repair your car. How are you going to find a great mechanic? The following tips can help you when you find yourself in need of auto repair.
One of the most important qualifications to look for in a mechanic is the ASE certification. This certification guarantees that the mechanic has been tested and has more than two years of experience. This means you will have an expert working on your car.
Always ask lots of questions when your car is at the shop. These questions can involve issues you’re dealing with and what you can do to avoid them in the future. You can save a lot of money when you know how to prevent problems.
Referrals are your best best when searching for a trustworthy mechanic. Ask around for recommendations. 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!
Request OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.
Before dropping your car off for repairs, remove any valuables. These items may need to be removed anyway, and they aren’t responsible for lost or missing items. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.
Look for warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. If they beat around the bush and act shifty, they may not be the one you want to work with. It is good to feel like you trust your mechanic, so move on if you don’t feel like you can.
Spare Tire
A spare tire and a jack need to be in your vehicle all of the time. If you purchase a new car, you should have these in your trunk. Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire is bad news. Stuck without a jack and spare tire is bad news and a big bill. It is cheaper and easier when you do it on your own.
If you’re having serious repairs done on your vehicle, make sure to get multiple estimates. Even though mechanics are trustworthy in general, you could still wind up paying for more than you should. Try to find shops that are experts in fixing your specific type of car. These places probably have a better understanding of what you’re going to need done to your vehicle.
Wiper Blades
Your wiper blades should never be forgotten about. Replace them when they’re not clearing the windshield well. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate.
Know what the lights on your dash represent. Use them to your advantage, they’re put there to guide you. If you ignore them, you could end up with expensive problems down the road.
Be sure to change your oil often enough. It is essential to have your oil changed so that your engine runs properly and and works at its peak performance. Be sure to remember this, because making sure you get an oil change on time can help extend your vehicle’s life.
Don’t try and figure out what is wrong with your car by yourself. It takes special skills to work on cars. A minor issue can spiral into a huge dilemma. Let the mechanics handle the diagnosis. Tell them everything you can about the issue, but allow them to determine the cause.
Only go to a repairman that is certified. You should especially check for the A.S.E Seal of Approval from the Nat’l Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.
Transmission Fluid
Do not believe claims that any auto part will last for a lifetime. When mechanics use this claim, they are usually just trying to get you to spend more money unnecessarily. For example, some cars come with “lifetime” transmission fluid. While the transmission fluid will last quite a while, it won’t last forever. It is best to change it at the 80,000 mile mark.
It’s not uncommon to drop off you car for one repair and then be told that there are more repairs needed. This is a tactic used by businesses that can cost you a lot of money. Let them know that you’ll think about it, and then look around for an even better deal.
If you just bought a car, and you realize there is a problem, get in touch with the manufacturer. There may be others having the same issues and it may require a recall from the manufacturer. The manufacturer may fix the problem at no cost to you.
When you get a diagnosis of your vehicle’s problem, think about what you want to do before you commit to any repairs. Contact other shops and ask them for an estimate on the repair needed. If there is someone else who is cheaper, pay the shop for the labor and get your car fixed elsewhere.
If the mechanic provides a quote that goes over $200, get a written estimate. If you have written proof, you can easily file complaints if necessary. It also ensures that no extra fees can be added later.
Knowing how to find the right mechanic for your auto repairs can be tricky. The key is following the right advice and information that can ease the way. You have the upper hand when you know what to look for. Keep this advice in mind if you have issues later.