Car Repair Advice: What To Do With A Broke Down Car
Car Repair Advice: What To Do With A Broke Down Car
Do you wish you knew more about fixing your own car problems? Auto repair might seem like a hard concept; however, once you learn some proper techniques, it doesn't have to be. You save money and prolong the life of your car. The following article has information that can help you with this.
If you hear a squealing sound when you step on your brakes, it is likely that you need new brake pads or rotors. Do not wait to have a mechanic check your brakes. There will be more damage to pay for and it is also dangerous to drive your car if your brakes are not functioning properly.
Be sure to read your owner's manual to find out what kinds of fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid) your car needs and to learn how to check and top these off yourself. Keep a few bottles of each fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.
Don't pay money for air. Familiarize yourself with the correct air pressure of your car tires and invest in an air compressor. Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated on your own. Being able to do this yourself on a regular basis will save you money in terms of wear and tear and regular maintenance.
When you are going to get your car repaired at a shop, ask the technician what type of parts they plan to use to get the job done. Many places use refurbished parts, but they would be willing to use new parts if you wanted to pay the extra money.
Independent garages and mechanics are usually much cheaper than dealerships. You might get a discount at your dealership if you purchased your car recently but do not make a habit of going to your dealership if you find their prices too expensive. Find out about local independent garages with a good reputation instead.
Rotate your car tires every 6,000 miles or at every other oil change. Rotating your tires on a set schedule helps ensure that they wear evenly, and thus last longer. Your car will also be easier to drive, as unbalanced tires can lead to the car pulling to one side or the other.
Check tire pressure each time you fill your tank. Look at them and be sure they don't have anything embedded in them. If there appears to be a problem, have it checked out as soon as possible. You don't want to drive around with bad tires.
Pay attention to any fluids that pool under you car when parked. Small spots may not mean very much, but take note of what the fluid is. Plain water is usually just condensation that builds up on a car naturally. But bright green or orange fluid is the cooling system. Oily fluids are those like engine oil, or transmission fluid. These are warning signs.
Repairing your car on your own shouldn't be intimidating anymore. When you start to know which parts do what, you'll work your way up to being a master. This article needs to be kept in mind and around so that you can review the tips later. Many auto repairs can be made by taking advantage of these tips.