Need Information About Auto Repair? Here You Go

No more wondering what the next step is when something goes wrong with your vehicle. Auto repair is not a simple subject, but you can know how to make the right decision regarding repairs. Continue reading to find out more about what to do next time your car breaks down.

Before you let the mechanic work on your car, make sure that you have all of the prices down. Ask about any additional fees that may come up during the repair and any charges that you may not be aware of. This will ensure that you are not surprised when the bill comes for your car repair.

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.

Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that's easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don't drive in areas with high water levels. Don't start your car if it's been exposed to flood waters.

If you are having work done on your car, make sure you get a written estimate beforehand. The estimate should include what is being repaired, the parts that will be needed and the anticipated cost for labor. It should also say that they will call for your approval before doing any additional work which exceeds the amount or time specified.

Before you take your car to the shop, always make an attempt to identify the problem yourself. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won't try to pull a fast one on you. As you probably have heard in the past, some people that fix vehicles are lying so they're able to get paid more.

Try to find an auto repair shop that is located close to where you live or work. This may not seem like a big deal, but you do not want to have a hard time getting there when it is time for you to go and pick up your vehicle after it is repaired.

Even if you aren't particularly handy, there are a few DIY repairs that almost anyone can do. For example, changing the windshield wiper blades is really just a matter of snapping off one set and snapping on another. Look in your user's manual or use a measuring tape to determine what size you need. Don't be dismayed if the store where you purchase your windshield wiper blades only has one in the right size. You can use one that is an inch shorter on the passenger side of your windshield without causing any problems.

Don't stop washing your car in winter. Although it may seem like a waste of time, winter weather can really damage your vehicle. With so much sand and salt around, you are just asking for rust and abrasion. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.

Be wary of auto repair shops that try to pressure you into getting repairs done. You may go into a shop for one thing, and the mechanic will tell you that you have other problems. It's fine if a mechanic informs you of any possible work that may need to be done, but when they try to turn it into a requirement, rather than an option, it's time to find a new mechanic.

If your key "sticks" when you put it in the ignition, you will most likely need a new ignition switch as soon as possible. Having your key stick usually indicates that the switch is failing. If that switch is not fixed in a timely fashion, you could get stranded somewhere.

Do not get any diagnostics done at a repair shop unless you can trust the people working there to be honest. There are a lot of dishonest people out there that will damage your vehicle then claim that you need to get it repaired soon or you will be in danger.

Choose a repair shop that can provide you with a guarantee. Ask for a written version of the guarantee to make sure it covers the repairs and the parts. A good guarantee should cover additional repairs in case you have to bring the car back to the repair shop because the first repairs did not hold.

Never allow low prices and flashy advertisements to lead you to an auto mechanic. Usually when people try that hard to get customers, it means that they are not that great at what they do. Research the place ahead of time to see if there is anything you should be concerned about.

Sometimes parts of your car will need to be replaced. In the event of this, tell your repair shop to use OEM parts rather than generic parts. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The OEM parts will give your car the best performance possible, while the cheaper generic parts may leave your car running less efficiently and increase the risk of problems in the future.

Some repairs to your car are free. Certain makes and models of cars have a known manufacturer defect. If that is the case, you will likely receive a recall notice in the mail, telling you how to get the defect repaired. You can check online as well, at the NHTSA site, which lists known recall notices.

You should now be able to make the right decision next time you have a problem with your car. Don't get stuck on the side of the road. Don't overpay for your parts. Don't get duped by the side-street mechanic. Instead, get treated right with the tips that have been discussed here.