Dealing with auto repairs isn’t easy, but it can much easier with the tips and advice you’re about to read. No one wants to find out that their car needs work done. However, it doesn’t have to break your bank or make you want to rip your hair out in the moment.
An emergency kit is a must for your car. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. Should your car break down in the dark, it is helpful to have extra batteries, a flashlight, and some blankets.
When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.
Whenever you have your vehicle repaired, ensure you maintain an adequate record, regardless of the reason why you are having repairs. If the car has other issues later, it can help the tech see its past records. If you don’t have these kinds of records it could cost you more because you won’t be able to locate the problems quickly.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau if you need more information on a Mobile Mechanic Launceston or a garage. If some complaints have been filed against them, your Better Business Bureau will tell you. Ask your friends and family about the different mechanics they have dealt with in the past to get some recommendations.
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.
Keep a spare tire and jack in your trunk. Many cars will come with these straight off of the dealership’s floor. There is nothing worse than being stranded far from home and having to get an expensive tow. It is much easier and inexpensive to do it yourself.
You can easily fix scratches yourself. You will need to fill the scratch with a primer that corresponds to the colors of your car, apply some paint once the primer is dry and sand the entire area. Start with a fine sand paper and increase the grain progressively before waxing.
If you need to fix a scratch or paint over an area, make sure you select the right color. Check the owner’s manual to see if you can find a code for the color of your car or look for a sticker located under the hood or on the driver’s side front door to find the color code.
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 the tire pressure each time you fill up on gas. Closely inspect your tires to ensure nothing is wrong with them. In the event that you detect a problem, you can have it repaired before you have a blowout. You do not want to risk driving around with faulty tires.
You should not choose a repair shop or a mechanic right away if you are rushed. If your car needs some repairs right away, find a friend or family member who can lend you their vehicle or give you rides until you find a reliable garage or dealership to repair your vehicle.
Put the advice that has been discussed here to use as you deal with your vehicle repairs. You will notice that you are much less stressed and actually have a good plan for everything. No longer are you going to suffer through those decisions, wondering if you did the right thing.
Launceston Mechanics
1 Launceston court lane,
Launceston, Tasmania 7250
PH: (03) 6388 8443