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Auto Repair Tips Mechanics Don't Want You To Know



If you own a car, you'll know that getting it fixed can be a pain. You either have to spend a lot of time trying to fix your problems yourself, or you have to deal with the hassle of taking your car to a mechanic. Both methods can be stressful to use, but you'll have a lot easier time when doing auto repairs once you've read this article.



If your vehicle begins making a louder noise than usual, you should suspect the muffler needs replacing. This is a job best done at a shop because it is difficult to work under a car without a lift. You can get a warning or even a ticket if your muffler sounds too loud.



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.



To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner's manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.



If you notice your windshield wipers are not removing all the water from your windshield when it rain, you may need to replace the blades. This is a simple fix anyone can do. Measure the blades and purchase new ones from an auto supply store. Remove the old ones and snap the new ones in place.



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.



Be sure that you're reminding yourself of oil changes when your vehicle requires one. It is essential to have your oil changed so that your engine runs properly and and works at its peak performance. If your oil is not changed on a regular basis, your car may not last as long as it could.



You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.



Keep a log that includes information on any maintenance that you have ever done on your car. To make things easy, put this log in your glove compartment box. If there is an issue with your car, this information can help the technician figure out what is going on much more quickly.



If you have been having minor car issues, you should have them checked out. Ignoring small issues can sometimes cause them to grow larger.



Be sure a mechanic is properly certified. You really should be sure if they have their N.I.A.E. seal of approval at the very least. This usually means that they are qualified and knowledgeable and that you should receive good service.



Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.



Always read your owner's manual before you begin to repair your vehicle. There may be information in your manual that you need to know in order to keep from making a huge mistake. To be sure that you do not waste time and money be sure to look through your manual before you even start.



Auto repair isn't always fun, but you can do things to make repairs smoother. With these tips in hand, your next auto repair experience won't be so bad. You and the car should be pleased with the results.