Whenever you experience car problems, you should not take them lightly. A big investment like a car needs to be managed carefully. Keeping your car in top condition can save time, money, and frustration later.
Assemble basic repair tools and keep them in your car so you are prepared at all times. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Never buy really cheap tools. You want tools that are reliable and up to the task at hand.
Learn to change your taillights and headlights. Some vehicles are easier than others, but it’s cheaper than getting a mechanic to do it. If you don’t know how to do this, search for a video tutorial online or see if anyone you know can give you a lesson.
Use rubber mats in the winter to safeguard your carpet. This will protect the carpet from slush, mud, salt and other debris. During winter or rainy seasons, these mats are a must-have.
Keep an eye on all of the warning lights on your dashboard and know what they mean. These lights are able to help you out, and determine when your car may need fixed. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix. Most major auto parts stores will help you find out what error code is triggering the warning light. There is frequently no cost for this service.
Check to see that the any technician you hire is certified. 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.
Keep good records of all work that is done on your car. Keep the records filed neatly or in your car. This will be of great help as your mechanic tries to figure out what kind of problem you are having. This can save a lot of unnecessary time trying to locate the problems.
When discussing your car’s problem with a mechanic, question him about the repair and why it is needed. Ask about things other than just the cost of repairs. How long will this job take? Ask questions about the work being performed and why it is needed. How much does each part cost? Ask about anything else that you think of. The more you find out, the more confident you will be when future repairs are needed–especially if this becomes a recurring issue.
If you’re local to Ionia County, call us at O’Connor Auto Repair for quality work done by an honest technician.
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