Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

It happens to all of us; our vehicle breaks down or is just not running properly. You know that it needs repairs. But, what does it take to get these repairs done the right way. Whether you will be doing the repairs yourself or you will bring it to a shop, you need to know certain things, which is the point of the following article.



If you take your car to a mechanic, make sure they have the proper licenses and credentials. Before making your appointment, check their reviews online and their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Don't just look at the positive reviews, but see how the company responds to negative feedback. Every business has the occasional problem, and if they handle the matter quickly and courteously, they may be worth a second look.



Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. It should have tire changing tools, a battery charger and tools to top up your gas tank. In addition, you should have a flashlight with fully charged batteries, a blanket and other things.











If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. Although shops are generally trustworthy, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don't need. Find shops that specialize in the job that your car needs. These shops are better equipped to handle your car repairs.



To make certain you are turning your vehicle over to a trustworthy repair shop, take the time to read online reviews of mechanics in your local area. By doing a bit of research on your own and soliciting the opinions of people you trust, you stand a better chance of finding a skilled professional to fix your car. Otherwise, you may end up making a decision you ultimately regret.




<img src="http://image.automotive.com/f/2009_dodge_ram-1500/64631127/2009-ram-1500-laramie.jpg" />



Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill. Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.



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 your car manual for details on a proper tune-up schedule for your model. Otherwise, you could have more problems in the future.



Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. It is your car, and you need to know why it is important to fix a specific item right away. If you are feeling intimated, or you are not receiving straight answers, get a second opinion before signing off on the work.



Have a repair shop in mind before you run into trouble. If you wait until an emergency, you may end up going with a shady mechanic who is convenient because you are desperate. Ask friends for a mechanic with a good reputation. Then when you run into repair problems, you can trust you won't be ripped off.



If you need to have your car fixed, but you don't have a lot of cash on hand, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You'll get a deep discount for letting students fix your car under the watchful eye of a certified mechanic.



Some vocational schools offer cheap repairs to those on a budget. While you will get a discount, students can make the repairs as a licensed mechanic looks on.



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.



Pay attention to any fluids that pool under you car when parked. Small spots may not mean very much, but take note of what the fluid is. Plain water is usually just condensation that builds up on a car naturally. But bright green or orange fluid is the cooling system. Oily fluids are those like engine oil, or transmission fluid. These are warning signs.



Be sure to verify that the shop that you is properly licensed. If they are not, there is probably a reason for it, which could range from fraud to faulty repairs. Never use a shop that does not hold all of the licenses that they should in order to operate as a business.



Keep a file with all your important repair receipts in your vehicle. Sort your receipts by linked web page or date. Keeping a detailed record of all the repairs made is very useful and can help your mechanic diagnose recurring issues very quickly. All in all, it will come in handy.



To get the best performance from your car, be sure that your mechanic installs original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM). Even though these are more costly than generic parts, the resulting good performance is worth the cost. Additionally, factory approved parts add up to less wear and tear on your vehicle in the long run.



Establish a set amount that you are willing and able to pay for repairs. Anything above that amount should require your explicit approval. If you get your car dropped off to get assessed don't just give them the ability to set whatever price they want. You should set a dollar limit that cannot be exceeded unless authorized by you beforehand.



As mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are so many benefits to learning how to do auto repair on your own. Besides saving money from going to Click To See More , you can impart your wisdom onto friends and family members. Remember these tips so you can do auto repair on your own!