All posts tagged auto repairs

7 Reasons Why Auto Repairs Should Not Be Attempted on Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2019/03/19 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Some people who own an automobile are excited to work on every opportunity they get to repair or fix parts of the automobile. A person who does not have the professional skills and experience sometimes relies on web tutorials and take these up as DIY projects. However, many people do not know that automobile is an intricate subject and it requires specific skills and knowledge to truly understand the mechanism and fix them.

Inexperienced hands can be life-threatening to the rider and hence must be avoided. find some effective auto repairs available near your locality to help you out with the repairs. Here are a few reason why you should not do auto repairs on your own.

#1. Automobile Body Work and Painting Tasks:

Mending a dented body panel or painting the car is a very expensive and messy job. The job requires the right skills and lots of real-time practice for an individual to attain perfection. It will probably take you a lot of time if you try to do these tasks at home. On top of that, the outcome might not even be satisfactory due to lack of skills and practical experience. The best choice hence is to get such auto repairs done by a professional only.

#2. ECU Fixes and Tuning of The Car:

The tuning and ratio fixes demand good automotive computer skills. The job might include implementing expert techniques with relation to the air/fuel ratios, redline limiters, and shift pointers etc. Only a skilled and experienced tuner can fix these problems. These kinds of auto repairs are mandatory to be addressed only by ASE trained technicians.

#3. Windshield Replacements:

Windshield replacement is one of those auto repair tasks that all technicians are dreadful about. It costs around $200 to $300 to replace a windshield. Moreover, the job is very complicated as well. Any car owner must not try to do windshield replacements at home without sufficient training. It can lead to ruining the entire car and increase the repair expenses even higher.

#4. Fuel System Fixes:

The various fixes made by mechanics in the fuel system of a car are handled with utmost care. This is because these are prone to various accidents and concerns such as third-degree burns, cause headaches, garage fires, and even unconsciousness. It is recommended to always play it safe and leave the job of such auto repairs on the shoulders of professionals only.

#5. Cracked Coil Springs:

Cracked coil springs are areas in an automobile which acts much like a super tight mouse trap and strong enough to kill even an adult man. It is a high-risk auto repair job and should not be attempted by non-professional at any cost.

#6. Transmission Fixes:

Cars transmission encompasses maze gears, bearings, tension less and use of the iron rods etc. It is impossible for an individual with no training to understand all these sensors. If anything goes wrong, it can be very dangerous and even cause death.

#7. Air Conditioner System Restorations:

The car air conditioner system sometimes requires repairs. Sometimes there is a need for a replacement when the compressor of air conditioner plunged is shocking. Once the important element of the air conditioning system is broken down, it will send small pieces of metal through every inch of the system. So, every line and fitting requirements are made to be exchanged along with the condenser, evaporator, compressor, and other different items. The entire task requires money, time, and skills. This type of auto repair should only do by trained technicians as it is highly complex.

It can hence be concluded that no matter how attractive it appears trying out auto repairs only for fun is not a smart choice. There is no point in creating a dangerous outcome when ready help is everywhere.

image credit: Pixabay

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Car Keeps Breaking down? 4 Steps to Take Before Giving up on Your Vehicle

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/07/30 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

No matter how close your bond is with your car, it can be frustrating to have to take it to the auto shop on a seemingly weekly basis. Even if you believe that your car has nowhere to go but the junkyard, it might have more life than you realize. Here are four steps to take before giving up on your vehicle.

Oil Changes

If your engine seems to be frequently misbehaving, it might be due to not changing oil at the proper rate. This should be done at a rate of around every 5,000 miles driven or in six-month intervals. When you bring your vehicle to a repair shop to get your oil changed, you can help the mechanics notice any other issues that might need to be addressed. By bringing new oil into your car, you can help it to run as smoothly as possible. It’s an easy solution that’s easy to take care of.

Replacing Parts

A car doesn’t typically stop working all at once. It can often be an important part, such as the battery or the transmission, that goes bust. Instead of just throwing the car out, you should replace the part. Once you have the replacement part installed, you can bring the old one to a scrapyard. Just think about how much better your car could run with a new battery.

Driving More Carefully

How you drive can make a big difference in how long your car lasts. If you’re driving erratically, it’s going to decrease the lifespan significantly. This includes speeding, slamming on the brakes, and not taking weather conditions into proper account. Driving carefully should be considered a must no matter what, but the ability to keep your car going should be even more motivation.

Address Issues Early

If you sense something is going wrong with your car, take care of it immediately. A strange sound from your engine or strange smell from your exhaust pipe shouldn’t be ignored. The more you sit on a problem, the worse it tends to get.

When you figure out a way to extend your car’s lifespan, you can feel better in a number of ways. You can feel better for knowing that you can save money on a new car. You can feel better for knowing you can solve a problem effectively. Finally, you can feel better knowing that you can hold onto your car longer.

How to Choose Best Car Repairs Center for Your Car?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/06/12 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

What is tougher than deciding which car to buy? Knowing when and where to repair your car. Having spent considerable time in choosing a car that best fits your interest and desire. The next quick thing you need to do is to choose an ideal car expert, who understand your car in and out, as well the trouble it gives. Give the right time in choosing an expert just like the time you invested in buying a car.

Should You Repair or Replace?

The next big thing you will end up spending some time is deciding whether to repair or trade it. Know when to trade or repair cars. Look at the following points to know more.

Do you spend more on repairs?
Watch out for rubber belts, hoses dry, and crack out. Sometimes, electrical appliance will also wear out. Dealers will sometimes recommend replacing water pumps and other drive belts. This can cost you from $100-$600.
Are you tired of visiting repair shops often?
How often do you go to the repair shop with your automotive? Some things aren’t repaired at all and some will need constant attention.
Has the efficiency reduced?
You will notice that your car does not perform well even under normal situations. There could be mileage issues despite your car service. It will underperform.
When repairs cost you more than the car: This is the ideal reason to decide what to do.
Safety:
Do not compromise here. Your vehicle is always at a risk of a breakdown. New cars today are equipped with better safety features. They have airbags, side airbags, etc. The old cars lack these and they certainly could face many troubles in the long run.

How to Choose a Repair Shop?

Rely on recommendations. Ask people for their choice and other similar car owners and take a note of their suggestion.
Make sure that the shop honors your vehicle’s warranty.
Do a thorough search online. Look for the cheapest ones and the best deals.
Go by brand names and see which workshop specializes in your car brand.
See if the shop holds certifications. This certificate will include the declaration that all the technicians have the basic knowledge and competence.
While money may be an important factor, do not compromise over quality. Remember, the most expensive one will not always guarantee the best service. So, price is not the ultimate deciding factor.

Repair Charges and Others

The repair charge is sometimes inclusive of the labor cost. Otherwise, the bill is inclusive of the parts and the labor charge.
If your dealer suggests expensive or complicated repairs try to get a second opinion too.
Remember to enquire the shop on their rates. Some charge a flat rate for labor and others charge on the basis of the time technician spent on the repairing.
Ask for a written estimate. The estimate should identify the problem to be solved. The parts needed and anticipated labor charge.
Make sure that the shop gives you in written that they will not repair anything that is not mentioned in the estimate.
The cost will depend on the car model, its year, and the type of service.

Hence, choose early. Do not wait for the time your car will give you trouble. Look out and decide the best repair centre for you. Ask people and go by their choice if you find it genuine. This will ensure that you do not run around in the last minute for the help.

The car troubles can be anything small to something extreme complex. Make sure to analyze this first.

Fine Tuning: Best Ways to Stay on Top of Future Car Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/19 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

No matter how well you take care of your car, there will always be future repairs you’ll have to take care of one day. Your car’s parts will start to wear over time, and the process is inevitable. Luckily, you can do some things to try to prepare yourself for a future costly event. The following are four tips can help you avoid a huge expense down the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Alternator Deaths

The alternator death is a very common problem in cars. The alternator is that nifty looking, and extremely heavy generator that handles the way the energy flows. Sometime after 100,000 miles, you will have flickering lights, slow power windows, and eventually no start. Start pricing alternators now so you can be ready when the day comes. You have many options for finding alternators. You don’t necessarily have to buy a brand new one. Junk yards, online auction sites, and discount auto parts stores may have what you need. Just ensure that you get a warranty on the alternator in case it doesn’t work.

Belt Snaps

Your serpentine belt controls many components underneath your hood such as your alternator, water pump, air conditioner, power steering, and the like. If your belt snaps, you won’t be going anywhere for a while. Fortunately, serpentine belts are not that expensive, and the replacement time is not painstaking. You can purchase the tools and the belt and keep them in the back of your car for when this incident occurs.

Gasket Wear

Gasket wear is something else that can happen over time. You may develop a leak in your valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, head gasket and so on. None of those situations is desirable, but all of them are common. Use high-mileage oil and some gasket-sealing additives that can help keep your gaskets tight when your car gets old.

Thermostat and Cooling System Issues

Overheating will most likely occur at least once while you have your car. The most common culprits are wacky thermostats and water pumps. You can get a thermostat for less than the price of a pair of shoes. It would be wise to keep one in the trunk along with some tools.

Get the Number to a Body Shop

Be sure to locate and save the number to a car collision and repair center. You never know when an accident or a fender bender will occur and you can save yourself time and money by researching and finding a good provider now. Places like Chehalis Collision Center will even rent you a car while yours is still in the shop.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your car. You and your vehicle will be happy that you did.

Paint Chip: Five Auto Body Fixes You can Do Yourself

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/27 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

What do you do after you’ve been involved in a car accident? Besides hiring a good car accident lawyer in Austin, you have to think about getting your car fixed. Not all car accidents are catastrophic, and small crashes don’t typically cause a lot of mechanical harm to your car. However, body damage is probably unavoidable, and having a professional take a look at it can be costly.

To make matters worse, if you’re one of the people out there who has a high deductible on your auto insurance, you may be paying for body work out of pocket. Thankfully, there are several kinds of auto body fixes you can do yourself with just a little cost. This is made possible thanks to the great touch-up kits now available, and a little bit of know-how. Here are five auto body fixes you can do at home!

Dent Repair

Whether it’s a fender bender or a car door bump, dents are some of the most common auto body problems. Fortunately, this is something you can fix with the right tools. To fix an auto body dent, you will need: automotive primer, sandpaper, body filler, spot putty, ridge and flexible plastic spreaders, and a bit of patience.

Start by using your sandpaper to remove loose paint since body filler doesn’t stick well to paint. Now, apply your body filler, following the instructions on the container and using the spreaders to smooth it out. Once dry, take off the rough edges using sandpaper. Afterward, apply the soft putty, and sandpaper it smooth once it dries. Last but not least, apply the automotive primer in light coats. Now it’s ready paint!

Scratch Repair

If you have a light scratch on your car, there’s no need to take it to a professional. There are numerous easy-to-use, touch-up pens that stores sell for all kinds of automobiles. While some of the cheaper ones don’t work great, mid- to high-quality scratch removers do a great job of matching your automotive paint. Keep in mind that these pens generally don’t work on deep scratches. A scratch that shows the underlying metal is a deep scratch. Try running your fingernail over the scratch, if it catches, it’s probably too deep for a do-it-yourself paint job.

Broken Light Replacement

Two areas of the car that typically break during accidents are the headlight and taillight covers. Replacing a broken light cover is easier than you think, and can be done in just a few minutes. All you need to do is find a replacement cover from an auto supply store, junk yard, or online store. These covers are typically screwed on and can be easily removed by opening the hood or trunk of your car to gain access to the screws. Just be sure to remove the cover with caution because there could be sharp pieces that could cut you.

Trim Removal

In the event that you have to take your car into an automotive shop for repair, remember you can still save money by doing some of the work yourself. One of the biggest things that auto body shops charge for is the removal and re-installation of body trim. Removing things like bumpers, door handles, and mirrors is easy. Just check that removing some of the trim doesn’t violate any local laws first. You can find replacements at scrap yards and simply install new ones that fit.

Rust Removal

While not typically caused by car accidents, rust removal is still an auto body fix you can do yourself. Stores sell products that can help remove rust, but you can also make your own rust remover by using salt and lime juice. Sometimes even baking soda and water removes rust from cars. Simply apply to the end of a toothbrush and start scrubbing.

Any auto body work you can do yourself is a good thing. Keep in mind that some work is simply too in-depth to be considered for a DIY project. If you don’t feel confident you can do the work yourself, contact a local repair shop to get an estimate. Most auto centers will provide a free estimate if you bring in your car.