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

Is your car giving you issues? The following article will present some great tips and advice on many automotive problems. Most people aren't car people, so it is important that they know what to do in the event of a car problem. Read on and learn what steps you need to take in the event that you need your car repaired.

Do not let a mechanic work on your vehicle unless they are A.S.E. certified. Being A.S.E. certified ensures you that your mechanic has proper training and experience. That means only the best will work on your car.

Ask a potential mechanic if they have experience with working on the exact kind of car you have. A mechanic who has experience with the make and model you are driving will be able to diagnose issues quickly.

Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If you don't understand something, talk to the mechanic first. You don't want to be surprised by unexpected charges.

Each time you get your vehicle repaired, no matter what the reason, be sure you have a record of it. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. The records can help the mechanic determine the problem.

Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you're not sure, go to the dealership for repair.

Make sure you know what is in your auto manual, and mark certain pages for reference. You need to know the basics about your car prior to visiting with a mechanic. Also, reading the manual may help you realize that the repair you need, can be done easily by you.

Find a mechanic who has experience with the make and model you drive. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you aren't sure, take your car to get serviced at the dealer.

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire. A good lug wrench and jack are key. You should also include a screwdriver set, a ratchet set, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Never skimp when buying tools. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.

Car Maintenance Tips That Anyone Can Use Believe it or not, there are a few shady auto repair businesses that will take your newer tires and switch them with older tires. They profit from your oblivion. Before going in, mark up your tires with chalk. If the chalk isn't there, you've been taken advantage of.

Take multiple pictures of your car before taking it to a new shop. Some shops strip vehicles and resell the newer parts. Therefore, documenting your vehicle can help you identify stolen items in case this were to happen to you.

As you can now see, knowing auto repair basics will prove to be very beneficial. Besides teaching your skills to others and fixing your car problems yourself, it is also a great way to save money. Keep these tips in mind; you may even be able to do minor repairs on your own.