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

Owning a car gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. However, owning a car also means that you have to keep your vehicle in good working order. By learning some of the basics of auto repair, you can make sure that your car is always running smoothly.




<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Hyundai_car_assembly_line.jpg" />



Take advantage of free inspections, but don't just have them fix everything on the list. There will probably be one or two extra items added on that aren't strictly necessary. If you are light on cash, ask the technician which items are the most important to keep the car running safely. Get these done immediately, and save up for the rest of the work.











Make sure that you have car records on file. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. The auto repair professionals will want to look at those records. This will help to diagnose any problems.



Ask a technician if they are A.S.E. certified before you agree to have them work on your vehicle. If they have this certification, it means they have passed a written test and have worked in the industry for at least 2 years. You will know that you are getting someone skilled by choosing someone with this.



Ensure that your mechanic is familiar with your vehicle's make. Basic components are usually the same, but things like hood space vary by brand. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer's specialized techs work on the car.



Take your vehicle to a full service car wash a couple times a year for an extensive cleaning, inside and out. This removes most of the soil and helps preserve the interior of your car. This can pay off when you want to sell or trade your car in for a newer one.



Pick up a book on simple auto repairs. You may find that some smaller repairs you can do at home, especially if you are mechanically inclined. Though, don't go crazy! If it's an advanced issue, get your car to a legitimate repair shop as soon as you can. Don't make the problem worse with a shoddy repair job.



You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.



When you get parts replaced on your car, you should pay attention to the warranty that comes with the part. You should ask your mechanic about the warranty on the parts they order for you. Ask for a print out of the warranty for your personal records.



Watch for warning signs with a mechanic. There are a few signs to look for when you speak with them about your car. If they try talking really fast about the necessary repairs, can't look you in the eye when talking to you, or try to brush you off, you should find another mechanic. They may be hiding something or they may only care about the money.



You need to keep track of all the repairs and transactions with your garage or dealership. If you decide to file a complaint, you will need to document what happened. Keeping these documents will also help you inform Related Web Page about the repairs you did on the vehicle if you want to sell your car.



Go to a repair shop you are considering for the long haul with a smaller job first. It can be something as simple as an oil change or a tire rotation. This will give you at least a better hint of their capabilities, workmanship and friendliness before a bigger issue occurs.



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.



If your car overheats on the highway, move to the side and turn off your engine as soon as you can. Don't try checking on any liquids as they can burn you if you aren't sure what you are doing. Rather, call a tow truck immediately to get you to your auto repair shop.



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.



As a car owner, it is your responsibility to keep your car in good working order. However, http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-transportation/green-vehicles/build-your-own-car-zm0z13amzmar understands how to secure skilled auto repair service or to perform necessary repairs themselves. Go over the ideas that you just read again from time to time so you can be sure you're able to fix anything that could go wrong later on.