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

Failing to make the right decisions regarding auto repairs can leave you in a world of hurt. Next time you face decisions regarding your automobile, you need to be sure that you know what you're doing. Keep reading to stay well-informed regarding your car repair decisions when they happen.



Pay attention to the gauges and trouble lights on your cars dash. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a car that is overheating, low on oil or not charging the battery. Knowing which of these indicators need immediate attention can prevent damage to your car and save you cash in the long run.














<img src="http://1gnie62996hnapnuuahsn9kin.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Auto-Body-Repair-Shop-Business-Property-Insurance.jpg" />

If you notice your windshield wipers are not removing all the water from your windshield when it rain, you may need to replace the blades. This is a simple fix anyone can do. Measure the blades and purchase new ones from an auto supply store. Remove the old ones and snap the new ones in place.



Basic maintenance like oil changes are actually very easy to do yourself. You only need at ramp, a pan, and a few basic tools. Just be sure to check with your city or county government beforehand to find out where to take your waste oil. It is extremely damaging to the environment, and you could face steep fines for dumping it out.



Keep accurate records on what work has been done on your car and when. Many repair shops will keep this information for you, but that only works if you see them for everything for major breakdowns to oil changes. This can help in diagnosing problems, as you can show what fixes have already been attempted.



Think about snapping some photos of your entire car prior to bringing it in for repairs somewhere. This way if you suspect something has been removed without your approval, you have photographic proof. Because of this, it is advisable to get proof of what you vehicle looked like before it goes to the shop, just in case.



Always exercise the highest level of caution when working with your car's fuel system. Never work around fuel tanks, fuel lines or pumps with sources of ignition such as cigarettes or anything that could produce a spark. Wipe up any fuel spills immediately, and protect yourself by wearing fuel-resistant gloves and eyewear.



Your wiper blades need TLC. You need new windshield wipers if they are making noises or leaving streaks. try this ought to be replaced yearly. If your area is rainy or blades become worn, they may need to be replaced more frequently.



Prior to allowing an auto repair shop to fix your car, get a written estimate of how much everything will cost. While the actual total may vary, this will give you some idea of what to expect. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. It is important to be knowledgeable when it comes to what is happening with your car.



You should get your tires aligned and inflated on a regular basis. You can easily check the pressure and inflate them but you will probably need a professional to align them for you. Keep your tires in good shape will make handling your care easier and can even improve your gas mileage.



If you are paying to have new parts installed in your car, ask the mechanic if you can see them. There is no reason why he should refuse to let you see what you have paid for. If you have any indication that Read Webpage are not new, tell the mechanic that you will be getting the work done elsewhere.



There are a lot of body shops that will put older tires on your car. Some shops will try to squeeze every dollar out of you. Prior to taking your car to the garage, use chalk to mark your tires. If you find the chalk is missing later on, question the shop about what happened.



Pay close attention to your car while you are parked at a service station while traveling. There are many people that will do damage to your car then claim they can help you fix it for a fee. If you are traveling with someone, make sure that one of you stays in the car at all times.



Sometimes parts of your car will need to be replaced. In the event of this, tell your repair shop to use OEM parts rather than generic parts. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The OEM parts will give your car the best performance possible, while the cheaper generic parts may leave your car running less efficiently and increase the risk of problems in the future.



Without knowing where your car problems lie, repairing your car is impossible. Therefore, you must be able to recognize problems when they arise. For example, if your car belt has cracks in the perpendicular edge, or pieces fall out, you need to replace it immediately. Failing to recognize problems on time can lead to permanent damage to your car; therefore, recognize and resolve these problems as soon as you can.



There's no reason that anyone should have to deal with auto mechanics anymore. Something as simple as auto repair is made into nightmare due to mechanics, and it has to stop. Take the given tips and start repairing your own vehicle. You'll be much better at it than any mechanic you've ever visited.