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Are you interested in making auto repairs yourself? It can be nerve-wracking to attempt your own repairs, but after you know how, it's really very liberating. Not only can you save some cash, but you will be extending your car's life. The following article will advise you on how to fix your own car and will also provide tips on having it fixed by a professional.
Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Many cars will come with these straight off of the dealership's floor. Being stuck without a spare tire and jack means you will have to get your car towed. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.
Lots of people who take their cars to get repaired end up paying for much more work than initially believed. Some shops use this tactic to try and get you to spend more money. Walk away and find a mechanic who doesn't play such games.
Doing repairs on your own can be hazardous. Always have someone close at hand to help you in case of emergency. Only invest in the best tools available. This is particularly true with tire changing tools. Make sure that the jack in your car can securely hold up the vehicle so you are safe while using it. Therefore a quality hydraulic floor jack combined with sturdy jack stands will keep you safe.
Before you take your car to the body shop, take photographs of your car from all sides. Some shops strip vehicles and resell the newer parts. It is better to document what your vehicle looks like just in case this horrible thing happens to you.
Never get car repairs performed by a shop that isn't authorized by your car's manufacturer. If you have a warranty, your repairs may be covered. Taking your car to another dealer may actually void your warranty!
Your friends can be a valuable resource for finding a good mechanic. The best way for finding a mechanic is relying on friends or family. This is smarter than taking a chance on an unknown mechanic.
Keep a record of every car repair. Having detailed records will be useful if you need to perform more repairs on your vehicle. 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.
It is important to get a warranty on your car when it gets repaired. This is even more important if the parts put in are pricy. Be sure and ask the mechanic what the warranty is on the parts that they have ordered. Get a printed copy of the warranty and keep it in a binder with other important car paperwork.
As you now know, you don't always have to pay a mechanic an obscene amount of money to have your repairs done. There are lots of instances where you can solve the problem yourself. Make the most of this information so that you are not off the road for long.