All posts in Auto Repair

Six Common Mistakes To Avoid When You Need To Repair Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/09 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Delayed repairs on a car in need of fixing can lead to utter disaster. Not only is such a situation extremely dangerous, it can also end up costing more money than addressing the issue from the beginning. It is best to handle the warnings signs of a car in need of repair as soon as possible. Here are six common mistakes to avoid when you need to repair your car:

Ignoring The Warnings Signs

Cars usually give drivers some form of warning that they are in need of repair. It could be an unusual noise or smell. Continuing to drive as if nothing is wrong could prove dangerous. Even if it doesn’t seem like a major inconvenience, any change in the way your car drives, sounds or smells should be given immediate attention.

Continue Filling Up When There Are Leaks

Spotting a stain beneath your car is a good sign that there is some form of leak or drip coming from under your engine or at least around it. The solution is not to just keep filling up the fluid that is running low. The best thing to do is to find out where it is leaking from and make the necessary repairs to stop the leak.

Temporary Solutions Instead of Proper Repairs

Most cars come with temporary spare tires that are just that, temporary. The same could be said of canned solutions for fixing flat tires and sealants that promise to stop radiator and other leaks. These are only temporary fixes that do not replace getting the proper repairs done to your car.

Only Searching the Internet for Answers

Conducting a keyword search can get you the information to make an informed decision about doing necessary repairs. This can give you relevant pricing of repairs, including parts and labor. However, only searching the internet for answers can get you in trouble. For complicated auto repairs, seek the help of a professional who can properly fix the problem.

Asking a Friend for an Expert Opinion

Unless your friend is a certified mechanic, his or her opinion will matter little in comparison to a complete vehicle inspection by a professional. Your friend may mean well, but it just may not do you any good to get advice from someone who may not know your car well.

Waiting Until Your Car Breaks Down

The ultimate reality is a broken down car that you cannot even drive to the mechanic. When you are forced to have your vehicle towed to the mechanic, you realize that you have allowed things to go too far and get far too expensive. Take care of the problem before it becomes much more costly to repair.

Address the warning signs and get your car inspected. It could save you money and time, as well as keep your car working properly.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Interstate Auto Care.

5 Things You Can Do To Save Money on Your Auto Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/01 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Saving money on auto repairs is a combination of taking a little do-it-yourself initiative as well as being savvy about where your repair money goes. Of course, the very first step to saving money on auto repairs is to be serious and proactive about maintenance. Keeping up on maintenance helps eliminate potentially more expensive repairs. Here are five ways to get started saving money on auto repairs.

1.Get A Code Reader

Auto code readers are now as simple as getting a Bluetooth scan tool paired with a smart phone app. This will enable you to find out what that check engine light is really saying, and whether it’s a big repair or something small like a faulty sensor. However, this method only works with newer cars, usually those newer than 1996.

2.Learn To Shop At Salvage Yards

A good way to find inexpensive parts is to go to an auto salvaging yard. Often these contain cars totaled in wrecks that still have plenty of working parts on them. There is usually a pull fee and then you are on your own to remove the part from the car. Getting parts from places like these usually end up saving you money based on the fact that they’re used and that you’re pulling the part yourself.

3.Do It Yourself

Learning to do simple repairs yourself is one of the best ways to save money. The biggest portion of a repair bill is the labor of the mechanic. If you can change fluids and filters yourself, the supplies cost very little. Even brakes are not terribly difficult to learn and brake parts themselves are not very expensive.

4.Find A Trustworthy Mechanic

For the big jobs or if you do not have the time to be a do-it-yourselfer, finding a trustworthy mechanic is important. There are a few different methods for this. Ask for referrals from people you know, read reviews on sites such as Yelp, or even find out mechanics who do side work apart from their regular jobs.

5.Shop Around

If a big repair bill is looming on your car, the best way to lower the cost is to shop around. Ask different shops for estimates and even mention what another shop will do it for. You might also consider providing your own parts for the job.

There are many different ways to save money on car repairs. Start with good maintenance habits and finish by doing your own research and learning to fix some items yourself. Try to make visiting the mechanic a last resort.

Author Bio: Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing, cars, and lifestyle photography. In her free time, you might be able to find her at an auto scrap yard looking for parts for her 1971 Chevy Nova, or taking pictures while people watching in the city.

Auto Advice: What To Do If Your Car Becomes Too Costly To Repair

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/02/21 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

When your car requires a repair that is worth more than the value of the car itself, it’s becomes time to think about other options. If your car requires some of the most expensive auto repairs, there are many alternatives to fixing it up. Instead of letting it take up space in your garage or driveway, here a few options to consider:

Sell it online

Even if your car is too expensive to repair, there are many people out there who would be interested in fixing it themselves, or selling certain parts of the car. While you may not have the time or knowledge to take the car apart and sell what is still working, someone else does. This is a quick and convenient way to get rid of your car and still get some money for it.

Trade it in at a Dealership

A dealership will take just about anything you bring to them, but they won’t always give you the best price for it. If the car is too expensive to repair, then they will have to sell it for salvage. You might not get the best deal here, but it does guarantee that you will get some return on a car that is no longer of value to you. It’s a convenient way to make some quick cash off of your car.

Sell the Parts that Work

If you know something about cars, you might want to try doing some demolition work yourself. Advertise specific parts on internet listing sites or take them to a salvage yard for some extra help. This is a great way to make a profit off of a car that isn’t worth fixing. Once you have sold the parts that work, you can get rid of everything else.

Sell it to a Salvage Yard

Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the time or skills to salvage a car on our own. Fortunately, there are companies that can handle this for you. Selling your vehicle directly to a salvage yard means that you’ll get to cut out the middleman that comes along with trading in your car at a dealership. A salvage yard is able to tow the vehicle from just about anywhere, and offer you a fair price based on the condition of the working parts and the value of the scrap metal.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure that you keep paperwork. Simply handing over the vehicle without handing over the title means that you could be inviting legal troubles down the road. Keep copies of the papers you sign and transfer along with your vehicle. Getting rid of your car may seem like a last option, but with the extra money you could potentially gain from selling it, look into the best used cars for a good price for your next automobile.

Car Trouble: 5 Reasons You May Be Repairing Your Car Too Often

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/24 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Far too many car owners find their vehicle in the shop for repairs on a regular basis. Although some car issues are unavoidable, many of the problems may be a result of improper care. Here are five reasons why you may be repairing your car too often:

Careless Driving

Driving too fast over speed bumps and pushing the pedal to the metal at every stoplight dramatically impacts the structural integrity of a vehicle. Some of the key repairs that can be avoided by careful driving include a bad wheel alignment, blown shocks, warped brake rotors, and irregular tire wear. Take the time to slow down and drive carefully to avoid common repairs.

Neglecting the Check Engine Light

Your vehicle’s check engine light is a very important component. Failing to give an illuminated check engine light the necessary attention could result in frequent visits to the mechanic. Although the cause of the check engine light could be something simple such as a loose gas cap, it could also be caused by worn spark plugs and oxygen sensors. These parts need to be replaced because they can cause a slew of other issues including erratic idling and destruction of the catalytic converter.

Subpar Quality Motor Oil

Motor oil is arguably the most important engine fluid. The consistent use of low-quality oil makes the engine more susceptible to leaks, sludge, and carbon buildup. Using high-quality products from reputable manufacturers such as Eastern Oil Company will help to keep the engine running in tip-top condition.

Failing to Adhere to the Recommended Maintenance Schedule

A vehicle is engineered with an intricate system of components. Typically, if one car part fails, the functionality of another related car part is also put in jeopardy. For example, vehicles that are equipped with a timing belt will need to have the belt changed at the recommended mileage interval. If the old timing belt suddenly snaps, it could result in very expensive engine damage.

Aftermarket Auto Parts

Although aftermarket auto parts may demand a lower cost, they are usually not as long-lasting and robust as the original parts that were installed by the automaker. The use of good parts will help to maintain the dependability of the car. You may be tempted to repair your car with low-cost parts, but this could be an expensive mistake down the road.

Although all vehicles will need a repair at some point, taking the necessary precautions will limit the number of trips to the shop. Follow these tips to keep your car in good shape and reduce your costs in repairs.

Dodge the Deception: Five Ways to Avoid Dishonest Mechanics

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/20 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

As you would expect, not every mechanic is untrustworthy, but when all of them are trying to earn a buck, it’s hard to decipher which ones are solely out for your money (and as much of it as possible). It’s impossible to tell whether or not a mechanic is dishonest by merely looking at him, but these five tactics can help you begin weeding out the less morally sound ones.

Grab Multiple Quotes

Before you sign your vehicle over to the first mechanic you go to, get multiple quotes instead. Some mechanics will charge "diagnostic fees" to avoid comparisons and early quotes and lock them into doing business, but there are still others out there who don’t do this. Find a mechanic who’s willing to look under your hood for free and give you a quote. Give them a call or check the internet prior to visiting the shop in person to avoid being pressured into diagnostic fees.

Get the Scoop from Real Reviews

If you want unbiased opinions on whether the mechanic in question is really worth doing business with, check out automotive service reviews. You can find these all over the place; check out your local forums or news sites, certified reviews on opentell.com, or even find out by merely asking around. Third parties are the best source for unbiased information. Some of these review sites also rate the company by store location, so even if you are researching a chain, you can find out about the exact shop near you.

Get a Referral from a Trusted Source

If you know someone who you trust and has adequate knowledge of automobiles, find out what their recommendations are concerning mechanics. They will likely know others who are interested in cars or work as mechanics. Additionally, take recommendations from people who have a favorite mechanic. Knowing people in the industry can be a great way to find those shops with integrity.

Stay Alert for Intimidation

When mechanic shopping, beware of the old, "I wouldn’t drive this thing for another mile" line. This is a scare tactic, and unfortunately, it works quite often. If you begin to feel intimidated and the mechanic pressures you to repair the vehicle as quickly as possible, take caution from there on out. A great idea in this circumstance is to get a second opinion from another shop without telling them what the “problem” is. This way you don’t lead the new shop’s expectations and simply see what they say. If they offer the same information, then you know it’s most likely a legitimate problem.

Ask for the Old, Broken Parts Back

This could be one of the most clever tricks in the book to avoid getting scammed by an auto mechanic. Before any repairs are made on the vehicle, tell the mechanic that you’d like the old parts back once the repairs have been made. Any honest mechanic will not see a problem with this, as he will have no use for them. Beware of mechanics that get defensive or express a significant interest in knowing why you’re interested in the old parts. They may be trying to hide the evidence.

Overall, use common sense when shopping around for a reliable mechanic. If it seems too expensive, it probably is. Get everything in writing and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Third parties are great for information, and seek out a second opinion if you don’t trust your initial quote.