When To Know It Is Time To Call A Mechanic
Has your car broken down recently? If so, you are probably in need of some repair. Depending on your problem however, it may be in your best interest to tackle the problem yourself. The following article will teach you everything you need to know about making your own auto repairs.
Monitor your radiator. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car's running. Check the amount of fluid in your radiator with your dipstick and remember to mix the coolant with some water.
Check the tread on your tires regularly to make sure they are safe. Tires that have less than one quarter of an inch of tread probably need to be replaced. Also be aware of any bulges or cuts on the surface of your tires as this may indicate a weak area that could blow out and cause an accident while you are driving.
Communicate with your mechanic as much as possible. Explain the issues you have been encountering with your car and do not hesitate to ask questions to your mechanic if you do not fully understand the repairs that are needed. Ask about prices and do not let your mechanic fix your car until you fully understand charges.
If your vehicle seems to be leaking fluids, start by replacing the gaskets and seals. The most common area for leaks is where different parts join together. You may not need an expensive repair if the leak stems from one of these easily replaceable areas. If the leak continues after replacement, you may have a more extensive leak.
Take all valuable items out of your vehicle before taking it in for repairs. Some of these items may need to be removed so the mechanic can do his work, and the shop is not responsible if anything is lost. Clear out your trunk, too.
Before you take your car to the shop, always make an attempt to identify the problem yourself. Identifying the problem yourself can save you some money, and it can prevent you from being taken by a dishonest mechanic. You probably already know that certain mechanics will come with lies to charge more money.
It is a good idea to add an injector cleaner to the fuel you put into your gas tank regularly. You will get better gas mileage if the fuel injectors in your cars engine are kept clean. Adding enough cleaner to treat a full tank once a month is usually enough to improve your mileage a little.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires with a low pressure are a very dangerous liability. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a month or anytime you notice a tire seems to be losing air. Invest in new quality tires if you often have to adjust the pressure in your tires.
A dent or scratch in a plastic bumper is very easy to fix. Start by cutting the bits that stick out from the dent until the edges are smooth. You can then use a filler to make the dent disappear. Sand over the area and paint to hide the repair.
Pay attention to any fluids that pool under you car when parked. Small spots may not mean very much, but take note of what the fluid is. Plain water is usually just condensation that builds up on a car naturally. But bright green or orange fluid is the cooling system. Oily fluids are those like engine oil, or transmission fluid. These are warning signs.
You should always pay attention to the way your car smells. An unpleasant smell is usually caused by a leak or an electrical short. It is best not to drive your car and find a mechanic who can come inspect it to determine what is causing the strong smell.
Don't fall prey to believing someone who tells you there is a lifetime guarantee for auto parts. This is only a sales tactic that allows them to charge more. For example, you can find cars that come equipped with "lifetime" fluid in their transmission. Although this type of fluid doesn't require changing very often, it should still be changed about every 80,000 miles. Therefore, the lifetime claim is false.
It is common for folks to seek repairs for one issue, only to be told that their car has additional problems. This is a tactic used by businesses that can cost you a lot of money. Tell them that you're going to have to talk to them later so that you can seek out better pricing.
Making repairs on your car yourself can be a bit nerve wracking, especially if you have never done it before. However, if you apply the tips mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you won't be successful. Not only will it feel great to do it yourself, but you'll save lots of money too!
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