Written by-Ortega Schmidt

When you have car trouble, your goal needs to be getting it back on the road. You can't get to where you need to go is you car is not running properly. Keep in mind that it doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg to have repairs done. There are quite a few repairs you can do by yourself if you need to.

Make sure the oil in your vehicle is changed about every 3,000 miles. Waiting longer for an oil change can result in dirt and debris fouling your oil and that can damage your engine. If you use synthetic oil in your vehicle, you only need to change the filter every other oil change.

Save fuel by driving as if you have a glass of water sitting on your dashboard. This practice helps you avoid jack rabbit starts and quick stops. Each time you accelerate quickly, the engine of your car uses more fuel than it would if you were to accelerate at a gradual increase in speed.

Pay attention to the gauges and trouble lights on your cars dash. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a car that is overheating, low on oil or not charging the battery. Knowing which of these indicators need immediate attention can prevent damage to your car and save you cash in the long run.

If your vehicle seems to be leaking fluids, start by replacing the gaskets and seals. The most common area for leaks is where different parts join together. You may not need an expensive repair if the leak stems from one of these easily replaceable areas. If the leak continues after replacement, you may have a more extensive leak.

Tag the important pages in your vehicle manual. When you show up to a mechanic's shop, you are going to have to explain some information about your car. You may also find answers to your problems, inside.

Unless it is required by your car's warranty, don't feel obligated to use the repair shop at the dealership. There are many reputable independent auto repair shops and they are often cheaper. Ask your friends and family members for a recommendation if you are unsure which shops in your area are trustworthy.

Washing your car during the winter is important to keep road salt and sand from doing corrosive damage The winter damages your car more than any other season. All that salt and sand is a sure recipe for abrasion and rust. Be sure to dry your car prior to driving your car so icing does not occur.

You should not have a lot of heavy items on your keychain. The ignition in your car can't withstand too much extra weight, even if that weight doesn't seem excessive to you. When the key begins to stick in position, you have to replace all of the tumblers or endure more serious damage.

After fixing the brakes but before you test drive it, bleed the brakes. Following this, pump the brake fluid. Leaks should be tested for so that your fluid isn't going to run out. You should then be ready for test driving on a road that lacks tons of traffic. Go slowly at first until you're certain your repair has been made properly.

Compare prices among your local auto body repair shops before you decide which on to choose. Even though labor charges are pretty uniform, the amount of time that each shop believes the repair could take could vary, as well as what they will charge you for the parts. Be sure to shop around so that you get the best deal possible.





Whenever you are working on your car's electrical system, you should make certain the battery is disconnected. Failing to do so could cause you to receive an electrical shock. If you aren't certain whether or not the area you intend to work on has electrical components, play it save and disconnect your battery.

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.

If you need to find a good mechanic, ask them how much experience they have with the brand and make of your vehicle. Driving a popular and affordable vehicle will make your job easier. It might be best to find a dealership if you do not drive a popular brand.

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.

Some repairs to your car are free. Certain makes and models of cars have a known manufacturer defect. If that is the case, you will likely receive a recall notice in the mail, telling you how to get the defect repaired. You can check online as well, at the NHTSA site, which lists known recall notices.

If you pull up to a gas station while their tankers are still there, pull-out and come back another day. The initial day while tankers are still filling the tanks at the gas station, the pressure will stir up the dirt and debris at the bottom of the underground tank.

When you are cleaning the inside of your car, take extra care to wipe the sensitive gauges free of debris. If you apply too much pressure while wiping the gauges, you can scratch the plastic exteriors covering them. Once too many scratches cover the surface, you may be unable to clearly read them while driving.

Babies do a lot of damage to your vehicle, protect against it by placing a large towel beneath the baby seat. Nasty food, drink, and slobber will ruin the upholstery, but a single towel can shield against ninety-percent of this damage. Replace the towel when you finish the ride and the car is looking as good as new.

How do you feel after reading this article about dealing with your auto repairs? Imagine fostering this new confidence and continuing to grow it with new knowledge. No longer should you feel inadequate when it comes to making decisions regarding your automobile repairs. Take Keep Reading by the horns!