Getting a vehicle repaired can be one of the worst experiences a person can have. Not only do they have to spend money on repair costs, they have to deal with auto mechanics that charge too much and take forever to do repairs. The following article has tips that can make auto repair easier.
Consider keeping a high quality battery charger in your car. A dead battery is more common than you think and you will be able to help other broken down drivers if you have a battery charger with you. Before you drive again, figure out how to use it properly.
Check the fluids in your car regularly. Check the oil level with the dipstick you can find under your hood. The dipstick should have a mark on it to indicate the ideal oil level. Add a quart of oil if you need to and check the level again after letting your car run for a few minutes.
Be sure to read your owner’s manual to find out what kinds of fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid) your car needs and to learn how to check and top these off yourself. Keep a few bottles of each fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.
When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.
Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.
Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire. Get a lug wrench or a jack. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. Don’t buy low-quality tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don’t break whenever you really need them.
You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.
Check your tire pressure every time you fill up your gas tank. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If you spot an issue, don’t put off getting it repaired. Don’t drive with bad tires on your car.
Before you pay the bill for any larger auto repair work, give your car a test drive. You want to make sure that the repairs were done to your satisfaction. If you haven’t paid, it makes it much easier to talk about any lingering issues that may still be around that need further fixing.
If you need to find a good mechanic, ask them how much experience they have with the brand and make of your vehicle. Driving a popular and affordable vehicle will make your job easier. It might be best to find a dealership if you do not drive a popular brand.
Many people have had bad experiences with auto repair, but you don’t have to be one of them. All of the dangers and pitfalls associated with auto repair can be eliminated when using the tips from this article. You’ll be able to drive your vehicle once again and not have to go through trouble to do it.
