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

Have you ever been to a mechanic for auto repair? If so, you know how annoying it can be. The long waits and the high prices make everything so much worse. That's why it's better to do your own auto repair. Give the following article a look for tips that can help you do auto repair on your car.



There are many how-to videos that you can turn to for auto repairs. Everything from a simple tire change to changing your fuel filter can be found in video form. These videos will take you through each step in making the repair and will save you the time and the cost of taking it to a mechanic.



Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic. Mechanics can obtain the ASE certification by taking a test and having more than two years of experience. This also means that you have an experience, knowledgeable repair person working on your car.



When you are going to get your car repaired at a shop, ask the technician what type of parts they plan to use to get the job done. Many places use refurbished parts, but they would be willing to use new parts if you wanted to pay the extra money.



Do not be afraid to ask a potential technician any questions you have. It is your vehicle that they will be working on and it is important that someone with the proper qualifications is handling it with care. In addition to asking about the problem with the vehicle, ask them any other questions you have about your car.



If you're performing your own repairs underneath a car and have it raised in the air, ensure that the lifting device you use is secure. Never lift a car that is not on level ground or on a firm surface. Always use jackstands in the proper position and never solely rely on a jack to keep a car raised off the ground.



There are no standard warranties on repairs. Make sure you are aware of what your warranty covers and that you have it in writing. Warranties may have limitations such as deductibles, mileage, time, businesses authorized to do the warranty work or special steps needed to get reimbursement. Know your warranty rights.



Always ask about the certification and the insurance of a mechanic before letting them fix your car. If something goes wrong, the mechanic's insurance will cover damages and usually provides you with http://www.autonews.com/article/20161120/LEGALFILE/311219926/toyotas-massive-repair-job can drive until yours is fixed. A mechanic who is not certified does not have an insurance either.



Rotate your car tires every 6,000 miles or at every other oil change. Rotating your tires on a set schedule helps ensure that they wear evenly, and thus last longer. Your car will also be easier to drive, as unbalanced tires can lead to the car pulling to one side or the other.



If you feel vibration when you drive or have a hard time steering the wheel, you should have a mechanic look at your car. The problem could be cause by misaligned wheels, a broken transmission or a damaged suspension. You should get the problem checked before it gets any worse.











You can easily fix scratches yourself. You will need to fill the scratch with a primer that corresponds to the colors of your car, apply some paint once the primer is dry and sand the entire area. Start with a fine sand paper and increase the grain progressively before waxing.



Not many people read their car manual. It's important that you understand the specifics of your model. The manual is full of key facts about your car and how to perform minor repair work.



Ask your auto repair shop for a list of fees before you allow just click the next web site to be done on your car. Inquire how much any replacement parts will cost and how long the repair is estimated to take so you know how many hours of labor you will be billed for.




<img src="http://media.idownloadblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Open-Automotive-Alliance-header-001.jpg" />



Learn all you can about your car and its parts. There are new parts, refurbished parts, and salvaged parts. New parts come right from the manufacturer's factory. &Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned& are parts that are restored to a good working condition. &Salvage& means that the parts are used and lack alteration.



When it comes to the brakes on your car,the last thing you want to do is to let it go. Pay attention immediately to any unusual noise or change in pressure when you apply the brakes. The sooner you deal with the issue, the less severe it will be, saving you money as well alleviating safety concerns.



Put your car on jack stands if you're storing it. Don't use your parking brake and be sure that it's dry wherever you decide to store your car.



When washing your car, set mats outside and hose them a couple times. Dirt gets trapped in the rubber, which can lead to tearing. No hole looks great, and that hole leads to potential damage to your car's carpet.



Feel more confident now that you have the proper information to help guide you through your next car repair. You don't want to get in a web of destruction which comes from making the wrong decisions. Instead, you want to be on top of your game with the information that you've been given.