Always keep some tail light tape around. You could get pulled over and get a ticket for a broken tail light. You should remove the light from your vehicle, replace the light-bulb if you need to and wrap the whole light in tape. This is a temporary fix but it is better than driving with a broken light.
Consider how well kept an auto repair shop is when making your decisions. A sloppy shop can be a sign that the workmanship you’re about to receive will be pretty sloppy as well. Opt for the auto repair shop that keeps its floors and space clean of tools and rubble. It’s not a guarantee of great workmanship, but it’s a sure sign that your chances are better that you’ll receive the service levels you’d like.
Keep your car clean to prevent rust. All cars will eventually rust out, but you can delay the process considerably by making sure any salt or chemicals are washed off as soon as possible. Wax is also important.
Learning about auto repair isn’t as hard as you may think it to be. Learning all you can now will come in handy in the future. By reading this article, you should increase your knowledge on when to take your vehicle to a professional and when to attempt to do the repair yourself.
Check the transmission fluid every two to three months. Let your engine run and open the hood of your car. Use the transmission dipstick to check the fluid levels. If there is not enough fluid in your transmission you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It is best to take the car to a mechanic so he can locate the leak.
If you have never done any auto repair on your own, you should stick with small jobs and do lots of homework to learn how to do larger jobs. Be certain not to start taking your car apart if you aren’t sure how to put it back together. Before starting any car repair job, be sure you have all the necessary parts and tools in place and that you know exactly what you need to do to complete the job from start to finish.
If you are repairing your vehicle at home you must be sure to put everything that you take off of the vehicle in one safe place. One of the biggest problems that people run into is they lose a part from their car and can not put everything back together. Do not let this happen to you.
If your car door and local news hatch locks tend to become stiff, avoid breaking your key off in the lock by lubricating them periodically with a penetrating oil spray. You can use the plastic extender that comes with the spray can to deliver oil to the interior of the locking mechanism. If you have misplaced this extender, just spray your key liberally and turn it in the stiff lock several times.
Ask for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. A cheap, generic part is less of a bargain if it only lasts half as long as an OEM part would.
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.
Owning a car includes being responsible for maintaining it and fixing it when you need to. Not everyone really knows how to find the best mechanic services in town, nor do they know how to actually perform the needed repairs by themselves. Review the concepts described above with regularity, and you will have what it takes to keep your car traveling down the road.
Get a second opinion on all major repairs. Although shops usually can be trusted, you could end up having to pay extra money that you don’t have. Seek out shops that are reputable and are good with your vehicle’s make and model. These places probably have a better understanding of what you’re going to need done to your vehicle.
When you are cleaning the inside of your car, take extra care to wipe the sensitive gauges free of debris. If you apply too much pressure while wiping the gauges, you can scratch the plastic exteriors covering them. Once too many scratches cover the surface, you may be unable to clearly read them while driving.
Do not let a salesperson sell you a vehicle you can’t honestly afford. Some salesmen can talk you into an expensive car you cannot afford. This dealer is working for a commission, so your money is his or her money. Stick with what you can afford.
Stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components. If your car needs parts, choose OEM parts over generic ones. For optimum performance, you should have the OEM parts that are up to the manufacturer’s standards. While generic parts are cheaper, they’re generally a lower quality than the original ones. This means that you may pay more later for replacements.
Always exercise the highest level of caution when working with your car’s fuel system. Never work around fuel tanks, fuel lines or pumps with sources of ignition such as cigarettes or anything that could produce a spark. Wipe up any fuel spills immediately, and protect yourself by wearing fuel-resistant gloves and eyewear.