Dealing with automotive problems may be the universal headache for humankind. Negotiating the labyrinth of repair diagnostics, mechanics lingo, and that faint feeling when you get the bill can be exasperating and disheartening.
Something to keep in mind every time you start your car – eventually, something is going to go wrong. I’m not suggesting you roll around every day worried that disaster is going to strike. On the contrary, being prepared will give you the confidence needed when something does go wrong.
There are lots of gremlins in the repair business and they come in many shapes and sizes. As intimidating as it can be, there are really just a few tips that everyone should practice whenever it comes to dealing with car problems and maintenance. If you practice the following suggestions you will always feel in control, your car will last longer, and it will run better than ever.
Ask a friend for good car advice
When a decision needs to be made about a problem, call someone you know who understands cars and ask what they think the first step should be. Don’t expect them to solve the problem; use their experience to help you understand your options. This is an important first step when a problem arises. Getting a knowledgeable person's opinion will help significantly with the decision-making process. If they are like most people with mechanical aptitudes who understand this stuff, they love helping those less fortunate.
Find a mechanic you trust
If you do need a mechanic, try and work with one you, or somebody you know trusts. If you don’t have this luxury, there are some simple ways of testing a mechanic’s honesty and integrity.
- If the estimate to repair is more than $150, and you don't really know the mechanic yet, always second-guess him in a respectful manner. If he becomes defensive and agitated, there’s something wrong and you now have your best excuse to get a second estimate. If the repair is more than $500, always get a second estimate. In the beginning this can be frustrating and seem unnecessarily time consuming, especially if the car isn’t running. Stay the course; practicing this without fail will pay off big time in the long run.
- Regardless of who does the repair, always tell the mechanic before repairs start that you want to take possession of all of the old parts removed, and the packaging for any new parts to be installed. Have him write this into the estimate so that there is no doubt about your intentions. This sets the tone for your relationship with the mechanic and sends a clear message that you're paying attention. Remember, this is your best evidence for a legitimate repair; any good mechanic will have no problem with any of this. If he does, it’s another good excuse to take your car somewhere else to get repaired.
Change your oil
Change your oil, change your oil, and change your oil. This is not a misprint. The oil in your engine is like the blood in your veins. If you can find it in your heart to change your oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles you will most likely be selling every car you own before you ever have to make a major engine repair. It almost sounds too simple, but it’s true.
Weekly vehicle maintenance
Check all fluid levels and tire pressure at least once a week. Sounds like a lot of work but it’s worth it, and it becomes easier as you establish a routine. Not only is this important to insuring high-stress automotive components (battery, cooling system, engine oil, etc.) get vital preventive maintenance needed to keep them operating properly, but in the process, you'll likely discover minor problems that if left unattended will become serious and expensive breakdowns later. If you do discover other problems like excessive fluid consumption, among others, don’t ignore the signs. The problem won’t go away by itself. Make it a priority to take action as soon as possible. After all, this is the primary purpose of performing regular checks.
Commit to avoiding common pitfalls
That’s it, nothing really complicated at all, but it requires commitment. Follow these simple steps and you will never again be at the mercy of car maintenance specialists. Don't get me wrong, all mechanics are good at what they do, but it's up to you to do what's best for you. Your reward will be the satisfaction of knowing you can avoid many of the common pitfalls that car owners suffer every year. You’ll probably save lots of money too, and maybe the best one—you’ll have a car that never lets you down.
Mike Robson - Greetings everyone. I am happy to be a Suite 101 member and look forward to sharing what I love and know with all of ...
