7 Ways to Better Car Maintenance

When it comes to auto repair, or even aircraft or boat repair, it’s good to know how to do some things yourself, and smart to understand that some things need to be left to the pros. That said, the following pieces of advice are things you can manage with just a little know-how.

1. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard of your car. Your dashboard should display five different kinds of warning, including the check engine light, oil pressure warning, an alternator warning, a temperature warning and a brake warning. Learn to recognize these different lights so you can easily identify what needs your attention.
2. A house has curb appeal, a car has street appeal. If your car needs a paint job, or just touch up paint, get your custom spray paint from a reputable custom paint supplier and not the store up the road. A smooth finish is key and to get custom aerosol paint to match the original is a must if you want your ride to look as fresh as can be.
3. Take advantage of free inspections, but don't just have them fix everything on the list. There will probably be one or two extra items added on that aren't strictly necessary. If you are light on cash, ask the technician which items are the most important to keep the car running safely. Get these done immediately, and save up for the rest of the work.
4. Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill. Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.
5. When searching for an auto repair shop, you should choose one that specializes in the brand of vehicle you have. While there are probably many trustworthy shops in your area, going with one specializing in your car makes it more likely that the technician knows what they are doing. They will also probably have many parts needed for your car.
6. When performing your own car repairs, make sure you budget enough time to get the job done. It's easy to underestimate how long a repair job will take. You may encounter difficult to remove bolts or nuts, or find out a part is harder to remove than you anticipated. Giving yourself enough time to complete the repair safely will make the job much less stressful.
7. Make sure you get a signed copy of the estimate for the repairs. You also need to make sure that the contract contains a clause that the shop must contact you before exceeding the total on the estimate. This will protect you from getting a surprise bill once work is completed.

Now you can make a much better decision regarding repairs for your vehicle next time the need arises. You can learn more about car repair as you continue along. Always keep the ideas and strategies in mind that you've read here so that you can handle each situation to the best of your ability.