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

Do you own your own car? If the answer is yes, repairs are either imminent or in your future. Finding a reliable mechanic with good prices is not easy. In this article, there are tips that can help you find a company you can trust.

All Trans Inc

134 Transit Dr

Greenville, SC 29607

(864) 501-5599

When you run into car problems, you should first turn to the Internet to learn what the problem could be. You may find that it is an easy to repair problem that you can do on your own. If you had to take it to a shop, this could save you hundreds of dollars in labor fees.

Communicate with your mechanic as much as possible. Explain the issues you have been encountering with your car and do not hesitate to ask questions to your mechanic if you do not fully understand the repairs that are needed. Ask about prices and do not let your mechanic fix your car until you fully understand charges.

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.

Look over the manual that came with your car. If you can fix the issue yourself, this can help prevent a trip to the auto shop. You may figure out, that when the manual is read that your issue is something you may be able to fix on your own.

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. It is your car, and you need to know why it is important to fix a specific item right away. Or you are not receiving straight answers, get a second opinion before signing off on the work, if you are feeling intimated.

Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your trunk. Your car probably came with what you need to change a tire. A car jack and a lug wrench are essential tools to have. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Avoid cheap tools. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.

A dent or scratch in a plastic bumper is very easy to fix. Start by cutting the bits that stick out from the dent until the edges are smooth. You can then use a filler to make the dent disappear. Sand over the paint and area to hide the repair.

Keep a basic repair kit in your car trunk at all times. A simple kit consisting of wrenches, jumper cables, screws, and a jack can be a lifesaver if your car breaks down on the road. This will allow you to make small repairs on the spot, saving you the cost of an expensive tow truck.

Try to find an auto repair shop that is located close to where you live or work. You do not want to have a hard time getting there when it is time for you to go and pick up your vehicle after it is repaired, although this may not seem like a big deal.

Keep an eye on your transmission. If it's performing poorly, it could be the actual component, a plugged filter, or a disconnected hose. Have your mechanic check the simple things first since repairing transmissions can be expensive. Common issues to watch out for are no response or a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse, hard or abrupt shifts between the gears, failing to shift during acceleration, and slippage when accelerating.

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 should always pay attention to the way your car smells. An unpleasant smell is usually caused by a leak or an electrical short. It is best not to drive your car and find a mechanic who can come inspect it to determine what is causing the strong smell.

Some examples of things you can do on your own is adding windshield wiper fluid or oil to your vehicle. You can do these routine maintenance jobs yourself. Mechanics aren't required. You should not hesitate to do some repairs yourself, as long as you have the proper skills and knowledge.

You must take notice of sounds that your car is making. When your car is making noise, there is generally something wrong. You may save money and time because they can diagnose what's going on quickly if the sound can be described to the vehicle repair people you speak with.

While it is tempting to use cheaper aftermarket parts on your car, it is best to go with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These are parts designed by the maker of your car. The fit is perfect. For a machine as expertly engineered as a modern automobile, this will extend the life of your car.

Be faithful to your auto repair shop! When you find a good car repair service, you should take your car to that shop as exclusively as possible. In this way, the mechanics can become completely familiar with your car and will keep good records of services rendered. This will ultimately save you money and time. Additionally, when specialized services are needed, your auto repair shop will provide you with reliable referrals.

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.

Find an auto repair shop authorized by your manufacturer. This is a good option if you still have a warranty that covers repairs. That could partially or fully void your warranty if you have repairs done elsewhere.

Surely you now realize how you can better approach the issues you have with your vehicle. What you have learned here is going to make you a lot more prepared when you end up having to deal with getting auto repairs. Remember what you have read and know you can make a good decision.