Article written by-Rose Bitsch

Finding a reliable mechanic to fix your vehicle can be a very frustrating experience. Rather than getting help back right from the start, do your homework by reading this article. You will be surprised at what you learn.

Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. If you don't understand something, ask questions until you do. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

Preventative maintenance is very important if you own a car. Do not hesitate to spend money on the tools you need to inspect and maintain your car or having a mechanic look at your car regularly. Maintaining your car regularly could help you save a lot on repairs or towing if your car breaks down.

Make sure the oil in your vehicle is changed about every 3,000 miles. Waiting longer for an oil change can result in dirt and debris fouling your oil and that can damage your engine. If you use synthetic oil in your vehicle, you only need to change the filter every other oil change.

If your car door and hatch locks tend to become stiff, avoid breaking your key off in the lock by lubricating them periodically with a penetrating oil spray. You can use the plastic extender that comes with the spray can to deliver oil to the interior of the locking mechanism. If you have misplaced this extender, just spray your key liberally and turn it in the stiff lock several times.

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.

Follow your car's tune up schedule. Each car is different, and that means each has different needs. A tune up schedule for one will not be the same for another. Look into Auto collision shop tempe for details on a proper tune-up schedule for your model. Otherwise, you could have more problems in the future.

Keep a tool kit for doing auto repairs in your trunk. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Don't waste your money on bad quality tools. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.

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.







Take all those fun and fluffy keychains off, or make it possible to remove your car key from the bunch. go here don't want to put all that extra weight on the car's ignition. If your key begins sticking, the tumblers need replacing.

If you are repairing your vehicle at home you must be sure to put everything that you take off of the vehicle in one safe place. One of the biggest problems that people run into is they lose a part from their car and can not put everything back together. Do not let this happen to you.

Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. There are quite a few mechanics out there, whether you get your car into one of them or do things at home yourself there are many options. You need to use a mechanic that you feel completely comfortable with.

If you take your car to an auto repair shop to get one thing fixed and they tell you that other repairs are needed, thank them for the information and decline the additional services. Go to several other places and get quotes before allowing them to do any more work on your car.

If you notice a dangerous defect on a new vehicle, get in touch with its manufacturer. There could be a recall issue for that car or they'll consider issuing one if you're not the only one to complain about it. Many times, the manufacturer will repair it for you.

A good mechanic will likely have some credentials. The NIAE seal of approval is a good sign. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.

When taking in your car for scheduled maintenance, take you owner's manual with you. Mechanics will often try to add on services that the manufacturer of your car doesn't require. Things like fuel injection cleaning, transmission fluid replacement, and others. Tell them you only want the services your manufacturer recommends. Having the manual on hand strengthens your case.

Don't agree to any service or give a mechanic access to your vehicle until you are absolutely clear on costs and labor. The information you need should be clearly posted in an honest auto repair shop. If it's not, proceed with caution and ask enough questions to learn exactly how much you will be charged.

You only want to buy the best gas possible for your vehicle, so ask at the pump if they filter your gas. Some stations don't actually filter the gas at the pump and your car may be at a higher-risk for dirty gasoline. Poor gas is not a good thing for any car, new or old.

You should now know enough to succeed the next time you need auto repair. Be steadfast when you are dealing with your car problems, and do not let any mechanic swindle you. Continue reading to learn more about auto repairs.