You depend heavily on your car, as it is your primary mode of transportation. Perhaps you’re not sure if you know enough about cars, but are willing to learn. If you want to learn more, read on for some tips on auto repair!
Check the fluids in your car regularly. Check the oil level with the dipstick you can find under your hood. The dipstick should have a mark on it to indicate the ideal oil level. Add a quart of oil if you need to and check the level again after letting your car run for a few minutes.
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.
Just like at the doctor, you can get a second opinion before agreeing to costly repairs. A reputable shop should not be padding the bill, but it does not hurt to see what another professional thinks about the situation. If you are still nervous, the dealer is always an option. It will be more expensive, but they tend to someone checking over their shoulder more often.
Your repair person should be upfront and honest with you. If you are being talked to in circles and your questions aren’t answered, then you will want to go elsewhere. You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires with a low pressure are a very dangerous liability. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a month or anytime you notice a tire seems to be losing air. Invest in new quality tires if you often have to adjust the pressure in your tires.
Take all the fluffy and fun key chains off, or remove the car key. The ignition is not suited to that weight, even when you think it isn’t much. If your key starts sticking, you need to change the tumblers and eliminate the troll buddy that’s weighing down your keychain!
Replacing a charcoal canister is very expensive, but you can easily replace this part yourself. Take off the wheel located under your fuel tank and disconnect the vacuum lines connected to the old canister. The part should then come right off. Install the new one and connect the lines very carefully before installing the wheel again.
Choose a mechanic that is happy to explain the problem to you. Some mechanics feel that they know so much that the customer could never understand, but even if you do not fully understand the problem or what is being done, they should be happy to try their best to inform you about it. It is a huge sign that they are a good mechanic all-around.
Car care is priority one. Even if you only learn to do a few easy maintenance tasks, you can save a lot compared to what a mechanic would charge you. When your car isn’t running right and you think it may need repairs, remember these tips.
Beatrice Cox is a writer and stylist with a passion for the intersection between biology, technology and design. High in Swedish Bali and Heritage, it travels around the world encouraged and informed a global perspective on the future of fashion and its relations with planetary health. She is currently working for a sustainable fashion label in Bali, Indonesia.