Your vehicle is likely one of the most valuable possessions that also provides you with transportation to work as well as other places. You might be uneducated about cars, but are looking to learn more about them. This article can help you learn more, even enable you to do some maintenance tasks yourself.
Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. Assemble a kit that has tools for changing tires, charging the battery and putting more gas in the car. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.
Always keep and eye on the radiator to make sure that it is full. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Look to see what the fluid level is (use a dipstick), and remember that coolant needs to have a bit of water added prior to entering your radiator.
When taking your car to the auto shop, make sure you haven't left any items in it. To get the job done, mechanics may have to remove your things and if something should end up missing, they cannot be held responsible. Also, remove everything from the trunk.
Before you bring your car to a repair shop, try to determine what is wrong with your car. Knowing what your car needs can help you avoid being talked into repairs it doesn't need. Some mechanics are dishonest and will say the problem is more serious than it actually is.
Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Though most shops won't strip a car, others do it to make more money. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle's condition, just in case.
Even if you think your vehicle just has a minor issue, it pays to get it looked at just the same. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.
Know whether or not your mechanic is properly certified. Look for a seal of approval or N.I.A. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.
Do not allow anyone to sell you any auto parts that they claim will last a lifetime. This is a trick used to charge you more for parts. One example is that some vehicles say their transmission fluid will last a lifetime. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you should still change it every 80,000 miles or so.
It's not uncommon to drop off you car for one repair and then be told that there are more repairs needed. The purpose is to strike a bargain and convince you that you have gotten a good deal. Tell them that you're going to have to talk to them later so that you can seek out better pricing.
Consistency is very important when it comes to auto repairs. Don't visit different shops every time you need something done. Different mechanics may find different issues with your car. They could charge different amounts that cause you to pay more for repairs.
As this article said to you before, you really must be sure to take care of your vehicle. Even learning simple maintenance can save you a lot of money from going to the mechanic. Apply this advice when car issues hit, and you will be just fine.
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