It can be pricey to have a car repaired. You have the expense of both the needed parts and finding a mechanic to make the repairs. Wouldn’t you like to save money and do the repairs yourself? Read these tips to save yourself money on car repairs.
When you are experiencing car trouble, you may not have to call a mechanic. Quite a few automotive issues can be done yourself. It’s possible to find the information you need online. If it’s easy, you can repair the problem yourself, and save money too.
Keep your car clean to prevent rust. Cars are all destined to rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Use a good wax to protect your paint job as much as possible.
The best way to find a good auto mechanic is getting referrals. Speak with others you know to see if they can recommend someone to you. You can find out about the quality of service and the costs. People can tell you what type of experience they had and whether the mechanic was honest or not.
Unnecessary Repairs
Watch out for mechanics who perform unnecessary repairs on your car. A reputable mechanic will let you know when they see something else wrong with your vehicle and they’ll give you options as to how to proceed. If you notice a mechanic has made unnecessary repairs to your vehicle, do not go to the same one next time.
Buy OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.
Are your headlights clean? Headlights often accumulate grime and other debris during normal use. Use glass cleaner to wash any dirt away from them.
Check and make sure that your mechanic is familiar with working on your type of car. Basic components are usually the same, but things like hood space vary by brand. If you’re not comfortable with your mechanic working on your car, take it to the dealer instead.
Keep a spare tire and jack in your trunk. Newer cars almost always have them. If you get stuck in an unknown area, these items are crucial to have. It’s less of a headache and cheaper to do it by yourself.
Wiper Blades
Never forget about your wiper blades. Replace them when they’re not clearing the windshield well. Your wiper blades should be replaced at least once each year.
Remember you don’t need to use a mechanic for car problems. Good mechanics are all around you. Whoever makes you feel most comfortable is the person who should be doing the car repairs.
Check to see that the technician is certified. Look for the seal of approval from automotive institutes. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.
Don’t allow people to sell auto parts to you that say they’re going to last forever. When mechanics use this claim, they are usually just trying to get you to spend more money unnecessarily. For example, there are cars that are sold with “lifetime” radiator fluid. You will need to change your fluid as it is not an unlimited resource.
Have you heard of the term OEM? Well, OEM is a term used to describe car components that come from the original manufacturer. Keep this in mind when you are having parts replaced on your vehicle. You will seem like you know what you are talking about if you tell a mechanic you only want OEM parts. This will make it less likely that the mechanic will attempt to install parts that have been previously used.
After you pay a mechanic and let them replace something on your vehicle, ask if you can get the old part back. If they don’t let you, then they may not have replaced anything. This is not a good sign and you should confront him about it.
Written Estimate
When your mechanic hems and haws over a written estimate, don’t use him. You should get a written estimate so that you have proof of what he promised to do.
When you find a reputable shop, stay with them if you need mechanical work done in the future. You’re more likely to have the work be satisfactory if you have a good relationship with the mechanic. You might even get discounts because you are loyal.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle and pay attention to the small things that influence its performance. You should avoid taking your car to the mechanic every time you have a problem, but the only way to do that is to understand how your vehicle works. You save a lot of money in the long-run when ever oil change and flat tire doesn’t cost you an extra bill.
When you’re getting a car washed, you should try to clean off your car mats as well. Dirt is something that can get lodged in your car’s mats and that can eat through it after a while. Once your mats have cracks or holes, you will need to get new ones.
Do you want your dealer to fix your car or a local mechanic? Dealerships are more expensive but the quality of the service might be worth it. A shop is generally less expensive, but sometimes you may run into someone looking to scam you.
Eventually, almost every single car will need repairs. You don’t need a mechanic for all of them, though. You can keep the money you would have given to the mechanic and perform your own repairs. Why not give it a shot using this advice?