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Owning your own automobile can give you a wonderful sense of freedom. There are no boundaries on your travels. But it can also leave you stranded on the roadside when a mechanical malfunction occurs. Use the following tips to get up and running again.









When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.



Don't neglect your regular maintenance. These scheduled visits are not there just to get more money from you. They are designed to make sure maintenance is done on specific components before you end up stranded on the side of the road. While you might be able to skip one or two and be okay, the damage will shorten the life of your car.



When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.



Do not make the mistake of having someone fix your vehicle just because the amount they charge is cheaper than everyone else. Many times the low prices make up for the lack in quality work. Doing research on the repair shop in question will help you decide if that is the case here.



When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.



If you need to get your car fixed after an accident, you should contact your insurance to get a list of approved mechanics. Going to an approved mechanic means your insurance will cover some of your expenses. Besides, you are more likely to find a good certified mechanic if you go to a professional chosen by your insurance company.



Pay attention to all of the lights that flash in the dashboard, and make sure that you understand what each of them mean. These lights can let you know when something is wrong with your car. Ignoring these warning lights will not make the problem go away.



Keep full copies of all of your auto repair work orders and every receipt as well. You'll want to have this proof available if any workmanship issues crop up. Plus, when you are selling the car, you'll tend to get more value for it when you are able to show exactly what has been repaired and how.



Know about car parts prior to visiting a mechanic. There are several different classifications of car parts, and these include salvage, new, and re-manufactured and reconditioned. New parts are made solely to a manufacturer's specifications. Buying a rebuilt or reconditioned part means the part has been damaged and fixed in the past. Salvaged parts are second hand parts that have never been fixed.



Ask auto body shops that you are considering if they offer a warranty on their repairs. Any reputable shop is more than happy to guarantee their work on new parts for at least a few months. If any one that you talk to does not you should certainly find a different shop.



Never underestimate Walmart when it comes to having certain services done on your car. You can get an oil change there for quite a bit less than you will pay for one at an auto shop. They also sell tires that are priced much better than those at most tire shops.






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Keep an eye on the wet puddles under your car. Color and consistency may help you figure out the issue. If it's pastel blue, yellow-green or fluorescent-orange, it may be an antifreeze leak due to a bad hose, leaking radiator, or water pump, or an overheated engine. Dark brown or black oily puddles can mean a bad gasket or seal is causing the leak. Red oily puddles are usually caused by http://www.fdlreporter.com/story/money/2016/07/30/streetwise-car-craftsmen-join-forces/87759962/ -steering or transmission fluid leak. Clear puddles usually aren't anything to worry about, as they may be condensation from the vehicle.



Now that you've read this article, you should have an idea of what to keep in mind when you need auto repairs. Getting your vehicle fixed can help you to have a sense of http://www.wtae.com/article/man-shot-outside-of-lawrenceville-auto-body-shop/7480762 on the road, so make sure you keep your auto running well by using the tips here. That way, you can keep your car as long as you need it.