Auto Repair Basics: How To Change Spark Plugs
Do you own an older car? If so, then you have likely encountered many issues with it. Even if your car is newer, you will still probably come across some issues at some point in time. Therefore, learning how to resolve these issues is vital. Read the below article to learn some excellent auto repair tips.
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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.
When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.
In addition to basic tire changing equipment, keep a plastic tote filled with DIY auto repair supplies in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies. Fill it with at least a quart each of motor oil, transmission fluid, steering fluid, and brake fluid and a gallon of water. Add a can of penetrating oil spray, a roll of duct tape, twine, bungee cords and basic tools so that you can manage minor repairs on the road.
Have you noticed that your headlights aren't shining very brightly? If so, ensure you are cleaning them regularly. Sometimes the road can create a greasy residue on the headlight. Use a quality glass cleaner to keep your lights clean.
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. You probably know that some mechanics will deceive you about your car repairs to charge you more.
When you take your car in for repair, verify their hourly rate and total cost of repair before you hand over your keys. Some repair shops display their rates, so read them carefully and be sure to ask about anything you don't fully understand. You should understand how you are billed by your mechanic. Some shops have the repair times established by certain manufacturers. While some things are considered minor repairs, the job may actually take all day.
Stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components. If your car needs parts, choose OEM parts over generic ones. For optimum performance, you should have the OEM parts that are up to the manufacturer's standards. While generic parts are cheaper, they're generally a lower quality than the original ones. This means that you may pay more later for replacements.
Wash and wax your car on a fairly regular basis. This will prevent it from becoming eroded. Many people go get paint jobs to cover the process of erosion. You can avoid having to pay for this if you make sure that your car is very well taken care of.
Be responsible when performing DIY auto repairs. Just about every item you might replace or repair on a vehicle is environmentally unfriendly. Take care to dispose of liquids such as motor oil and coolant properly. Take used parts to your local junk yard or recycling center. Don't toss plastic bottles about the landscape. If you are unsure of where you can dispose of these items, check with your local waste disposal agency or an automotive supply store.
Unless it is required by your car's warranty, don't feel obligated to use the repair shop at the dealership. There are many reputable independent auto repair shops and they are often cheaper. Ask your friends and family members for a recommendation if you are unsure which shops in your area are trustworthy.
Keep an eye open for a shop that takes off your good tires and puts older ones on. They do this so that they're able to make money from you being ignorant. Before going in, mark up your tires with chalk. If you do not see the chalk when you return, you have been victimized.
Pick up a book on simple auto repairs. You may find that some smaller repairs you can do at home, especially if you are mechanically inclined. Though, don't go crazy! If it's an advanced issue, get your car to a legitimate repair shop as soon as you can. Don't make the problem worse with a shoddy repair job.
As this article has shown you, it is important that you are aware of how to resolve any car issues that you have. You need to know how to fix minor issues, and if there are large issues, you need to know how to find the right auto repair shop. This article has shown you how to do all of these things, so utilize all that you have read so that your car will continue to run at its best.