6 Tips For Finding A Great Mechanic

Whether you are looking for auto repair in London, Manchester, or Los Angeles, finding a decent and dependable mechanic can be tough. While there are many skilled and honest mechanics, there are lots of ways in which auto repair technicians can take advantage of their customers. Here are some simple things that you can do to become an informed customer and find a dependable auto shop.

1. Know Your Vehicle

The most vulnerable consumers in this industry are the ones that are least familiar with the inner workings of automobiles. While it is true that cars can be complicated, it is also true that they all operate on roughly the same principles. Though the world of engine mechanics is a wide one and full of diversity, consumers need only know the basics of auto repair and a few specifics regarding their personal vehicles to greatly decrease their vulnerabilities.

2. Get Your Hands Dirty

Learning about your vehicle and how it works takes time. Enlist the help of a friend that knows his or her way around an engine and be willing to get your hands dirty. There are books that are printed for every vehicle that clearly outline the steps to diagnose and repair almost anything. Doing simple repairs or maintenance yourself can be a fantastic way to get to know your vehicle and save on labor costs.

3. Ask Your Friends for Advice

The odds are good that you know several people that own vehicles. Odds are even better that those people have been forced to get some kind of auto repair done by a professional mechanic. Ask them about their experiences. There are several questions that you can ask that can help you find the best mechanics in your area:

  • Which mechanics have done the best work for you?
  • Have you felt slighted by any repair shops? If so, which ones and why?
  • Have you ever used a mechanic that did extra work for free?
  • Does your mechanic explain the problems thoroughly before doing the work?
  • Have you ever had to take your vehicle back to the shop because there were still problems? If so, what was that experience like?

4. Look for a Guarantee or Warranty

Most respectable shops offer some kind of guarantee on the work that they do. If a shop is not willing to guarantee their work, you should probably look elsewhere. Be careful of the guarantee, though. It is not always what it seems to be. Read the fine print when entering into an agreement with any mechanic. Continue reading “6 Tips For Finding A Great Mechanic”

You Don’t Have to be a Mechanic to Make Your Vehicle Last Longer

Whether you use a car for business or for pleasure you need to take steps to help it stay in good condition. Its necessary to be a considerate and caring vehicle owner if you don’t want to find yourself faced with buying a replacement in the near future. Bad car owners will have problems that cost a lot of money to fix so become responsible and use these tips to ensure you get the most out of your financial commitment.

Learning to Look

Everyone who has a vehicle should spend time learning whats going on in the engine and discover what it looks like under the hood at the very least. As soon as you get on the driveway pop the hood and spend time examining the engine, look at all the hoses and take a walk around so you can examine the body. When you are familiar with the vehicle it is much easier to spot problems if and when they occur in the future.

Get to Know How to do the Simple Things

You don’t have to become a qualified mechanic but it is worth learning the basics in vehicle care. Learn how to change the oil and the oil filter as this is something you will need to do quite often. Check it once a month and always before you head off on a longer than usual journey. Another job to master is the changing of the air filter as they can become clogged and result in a poor performance from the engine. You will be paying more in fuel and the engine can become damaged so put this on the top of your things to learn priority list.

Cool as a Cucumber

Engines can get very hot, obviously, and therefore it needs cooling down. Engines are stopped from literally melting by coolant. You should make sure that there are suitable levels of coolant under the hood and check that the hoses and tubes are all in good condition. Adding coolant can save you thousands in repairs so buy a decent make and keep it topped up. Continue reading “You Don’t Have to be a Mechanic to Make Your Vehicle Last Longer”