Keep Your Car's Engine Running Smooth With These Top Auto Repair Tips

Having to get your vehicle repaired can be very frustrating. Since a lot of people are dishonest, you may have trouble locating good service. Luckily you can use the article here to help you in your search for automotive service with your needs in mind. 

Never underestimate how important it is to carrying an emergency kit inside your vehicle. You can make your own; include things that you will have to have to put on a spare, add gas or charge the battery. 

Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded. Always keep and eye on the radiator to make sure that it is full. Allow your car to run for a bit and then turn it off and pop open the hood. 

Don't open your radiator cap if your car is on. 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. Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic. 

This type of certification means two years experience and also a passed written test. This is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic. Keep good records for your car's history. You may want to store them in the glove compartment for easy access. 

Repair professionals may want to see these records for repair purposes. Good documentation can help diagnose problems a lot faster. Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. 

Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time. Before bringing your car to a mechanic, attempt to figure out by yourself what's wrong. If you know what the problem is, you can save money and also easily identify any repair shop that is trying to scam you. 

As you have probably heard, there are mechanics out there that will be dishonest so they can charge you more money. Invest in a quality battery charger and always keep it in your car. Dead batteries happen a lot, and you can provide assistance to others if you keep a charger on hand. Learn how to connect your car to the batter charger.

Wiper Blades

Never neglect your windshield wiper blades. You may need new blades if they are streaking or making noises. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate. 

Keep an eye on all of the warning lights on your dashboard and know what they mean. They're there for a reason. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later. Make sure you often check the radiator. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Don't open your radiator if your car is running. Use a dipstick to check the amount of fluid in the radiator. You should also make sure to mix coolant fluid with water before you pour it into your radiator. 

You should still wash your car during the winter time. Winter can be the most damage causing time of the year for your car. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Dry your car as often as you can during the winter to maintain quality. Take pictures of your car prior to having it serviced. 

Most shops are reputable but there are always a few bad apples out there. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle's condition, just in case.

Test Drive

Ask your mechanic is he is familiar with working on your car. This will give you a better idea of their experience and the skills that they bring to the table. After fixing the brakes but before you test drive it, bleed the brakes. Pump your brake fluid afterwards. Make sure you test your brakes for leaks to ensure the fluid doesn't leak out. 

Then test drive the car on a road that has minimal traffic. Start out slowly to be certain you've made a good repair before risking higher speeds. No one is a fan of getting their car repaired, but sometimes it's just something that has to be done. Use the information that has been discussed in this article to help you make vehicle repairs. You will have less stress if you deal with a reliable company.