When you experience a breakdown, you want to fix the problem right away. It’s very hard to get around when your car is not working. It is not always necessary to spend a lot of money to get your car fixed. Quite a few very basic repairs can be done by you.
Don’t take an emergency car kit for granted. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.
Check your radiator frequently. Run your engine for several minutes, and then turn it off and pop your hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Check how much fluid is in the radiator with a dipstick and keep in mind that you should always mix coolant with water before pouring it in your radiator.
Know what the repair is going to cost you before handing over your keys. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. Being hit with additional fees is something that you don’t want to be surprised with.
You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. Quite a few automotive issues can be done yourself. If you are game, then check online to research the problem. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.
As the mechanic whether they’ve worked on your make and model before. If the answer is yes, that’s a very good thing.
Keep car records handy. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. Auto repair professionals likely will want to see those records. They help them figure out what’s wrong quickly.
A spare tire and a jack need to be in your vehicle all of the time. New cars often come with a kit you can use to change a tire. You don’t need to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and need to pay a lot for towing. It will be quicker and less costly when you do it yourself.
Basic Tools
Keep a repair kit in the car at all times. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. Basic tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, socket wrenches, torque wrench and other basic tools are also handy to have. Never skimp when buying tools. Buy quality, reliable tools that are not going to break.
Take off all of your keychain charms; just use your key. Your car’s ignition is simply not designed to hold all that weight, even if it may not seem that heavy to you. The last thing that you want is your key to stick, so try to reduce weight immediately.
As you can probably tell, you do not need to take your car in to an auto shop and pay a lot of money to get it fixed. Sometimes it is possible to deal with car issues at your home. Apply what you’ve just learned, and keep your car running its best.