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Faced with high repair bills, you may have wondered if you could do it yourself. It can be really rewarding to learn how to care for your car. You'll save a lot of money and elongate the life span of your car. Perform your own auto repairs when possible by adhering to the following helpful guide.



Before you let the mechanic work on your car, make sure that you have all of the prices down. Ask about any additional fees that may come up during the repair and any charges that you may not be aware of. This will ensure that you are not surprised when the bill comes for your car repair.











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 navigate to this website had to put in your car.



Be open to asking any questions that cross your mind. http://www.innovateli.com/4811-2/ is a very complex thing. You will have questions, and don't feel intimidated about asking them. If you don't, you may not completely understand why the repairs were needed in the first place or how costly the current situation really is.



To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner's manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.




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In addition to basic tire changing equipment, keep a plastic tote filled with DIY auto repair supplies in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies. Fill it with at least a quart each of motor oil, transmission fluid, steering fluid, and brake fluid and a gallon of water. Add a can of penetrating oil spray, a roll of duct tape, twine, bungee cords and basic tools so that you can manage minor repairs on the road.



Warranties can be very important when it comes to fixing expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about the warranties on any parts he is replacing. Figure out what the warranty covers and if you can get a copy of it so that you can look over it.



Listen for any strange noises that your car may be making. These may be popping sounds, knocks, squeals, or something else. They are definitely symptoms of some sort of issue that needs auto repair. Keep a log of when you hear them, and note the type of driving you were doing when they occurred. It will help the auto shop diagnose the issue properly.



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.



Always read your owner's manual before you begin to repair your vehicle. There may be information in your manual that you need to know in order to keep from making a huge mistake. To be sure that you do not waste time and money be sure to look through your manual before you even start.



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.



Check a variety of sources of information before attempting an auto repair for the first time. Do a good online search, watch instructional videos and seek out books at your local library and take time to talk with an experienced mechanic before you dive in to try that repair. Once you feel comfortable with the concept, make a list of the things you need and the steps you will need to take to make the repair successfully.



Try working with a mechanic that charges you for the parts and labor only. Often people find mechanics that charge by the hour, and they are surprised once they get the bill. Many times they claim the work took longer than it did, and they charge you a ton of extra money.



If you can video record an issue you are having with your car, do so. That video can prove invaluable to your auto repair shop as they try to understand the issue. It's a much better solution than you trying to describe the problem verbally. The repair team can watch the video over and over to learn what they can.



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.



Automotive problems are a frustrating and all too common part of life. At some point in time your car will break down on you. Armed with the knowledgeable tips and advice you have learned from reading this article you should be able to handle any minor auto problems yourself and avoid overspending on repairs.