Smith 
It can be expensive to get your car repaired. The parts and service can cost you a lot when all is said and done. Wouldn’t it be better if you could handle your car repairs yourself? The hints below can help.
Ask all the questions you have at the shop. These questions can involve issues you’re dealing with and what you can do to avoid them in the future. Preventing automotive issues is a valuable skill to save money during the year.
Make sure that you do not neglect the radiator in your car. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. Use a dipstick to check the radiator’s fluid level, and remember to always mix water in with your coolant if need be. Some coolants come premixed.
Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. If you need clarification, ask the service advisor for additional information before repairs commence. Don’t end up surprised by extra fees.
Make sure the repair shop technician is familiar with the particular model of your vehicle. If they have before, then they are likely going to be able to also fix your car easily enough.
Make sure all repair records are kept close. You want these with you when you go to get repairs done; a great place to store them is the glove compartment. The auto mechanic can look at the records. This will allow them to figure out what the issues are quickly.
Whenever your car undergoes repairs, make sure you have the written record of what was done. Future problems can be easily solved when auto technicians have access to past records. If you don’t have a record of past work, it may cost you money and make it hard for the technician to diagnose the problem.
You should always test drive your vehicle after getting some repairs done on it. This way you can avoid paying for repairs that were not finished correctly. Lots of people skip this practice and they might end up not solving the issue they initially came in for.
Make sure the mechanic can work on your particular car. Cars can differ significantly, even if the general mechanical principles are the same. A luxury SUV is quite different from a hybrid Prius, for example. If you’re not sure, it may be worth it to pay extra at the dealer.
Figure out what repairs and labor are going to cost you before handing your keys over. A few shops hide their rates, so make sure to read the fine print and ask questions whenever necessary. Make sure that you know exactly how you are going to be billed. Some shops will give an estimate on the repair time based on manufacturers guidelines. While some things are considered minor repairs, the job may actually take all day.
Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. The sand and salt from winter leads to rust and abrasion. Just be sure that you’re drying your car off before you start to drive around so that ice doesn’t form.
There are few cars that will never need some sort of repair. But don’t think that a mechanic is required for every single repair. Saving money means doing some on your own. These tips can give you the ability to do the repairs yourself.
