Car repair is something that you cannot do way with, this creates the need for everyone who owns one to learn on the very basics that are needed to maintain it and help avoid some deadly mistakes. There is always an option of visiting an expert or doing it yourself. Various websites have been established with an option of teaching people on how to repair their cars. So anytime, you ever think of servicing your vehicle. Know that there is somewhere for you to learn of all the basics of car repair. Here are some of the mistakes that you should avoid anytime you intend to repair your car.
· Neglecting the preventive maintenance and minor repairs:
These are the simple preventive repairs like changing the car oil or the filter. Properly inflating the wheels or even cleaning the vehicle properly is some of the basic maintenance that you should carry out more often. If these repairs are not done as required, there could be great damage to your engine parts or the major body part. Simple maintenance may mean a lot; they can even translate to getting four or even five more years out of your vehicle. However, the failure to totally replace some important parts like the Blake pads will bring in repairs that are more expensive tomorrow.
· Failure to ask for your parts back:
When a part of your car is replaced. It is important that you take the replaced part back. The best as to request the mechanic to place it in the box from which the new part was placed. This is an attempt to avoid scenarios where some greedy mechanics fail to replace the parts or even charge you for those repairs that are not done. When you establish the habit of asking for your old part back, it keeps the mechanic from replacing a part that is actually good preventing possible loses.
· Taking your car in for repairs at the last minute:
One of the biggest mistakes that you can ever make is ignoring the car repair needs; gong in at the last minute only aggregates an already bad situation, Let’s assume that you are on a long trip, this will require the vehicle to have some major service done in order to make it through the journey. It is important to allocate time for the vehicle so as all the repairs done can be perfected if the need arises. Moreover, a mechanic with the peace of mind is likely to do a better job compared to one who is in a haste to meet the customers need. Bearing in mind that the unexpected can happen and you are forced to take the car back to the mechanic is one reason why you should allocate time to your car.
· Know the part being repaired:
It is interesting how people fail to know the parts of their vehicles. For instance, you may hear the customer refer to the windscreen as the mirror in front of the vehicle, or the glass window. Miscommunication can mean a lot to your vehicle; this may range from time waste to having the wrong repairs being done. Taking time to learn on the vehicle parts cost you little or nothing at all, you can easily get them online or inquire from friends. This can be the very beginning of learning some basic mechanic, as you will also get to know of how the part functions and some of the problems that can affect the said part. This is also important as it helps to put at bay any mistake that can lead to part failure. Make a point of ensuring that you do not refer to the windscreen as the driver’s window.
· Accepting the first repair shop quote:
Whenever you intend to do a major repair, it’s prudent to get the second, third and even the fifth repair quotes. Having a mechanic who you can trust is even much better compared to visiting the vehicle service station. This is all in an attempt to bring down the cost of repair. Moreover, there are sites like the automd.com that give quotes and serve as comparative for local repair shops. So, whenever you intend to authorize a go ahead, it is good to get online and get some reviews and ratings. However, for major repairs like engine change, it is good to go to the dealership service center as they have the best and most up to date codes and tons of expertise that is there for you.
· Dictating to the mechanic what to do:
If you know what s to be done, why did you bother taking the vehicle to the mechanic at first? What you need to know ids that today’s vehicles are more complex compared to those of earlier make. Wherelse it is good to do some research. Know that some symptoms can be totally misleading. For instance, from the simple diagnostic that is done, you may be convinced that your car need some new sparks Wherelse what is needed is a cleanup. Learn to give the mechanic time to diagnose the problem while you watch to know if you are right on what you do.
· Driving your vehicle on fumes:
Today vehicles have electric fuel pumps that are mounted on the inside of the fuel tank. Originally, many vehicles had carburetors. This enabled the driver to ride until all the fuel was done, refuel and drive again with much ease. However, many vehicles today have a fuel injected engine that uses the in tank electric pumps which make use of gas to cool and lubricate the engine components. Frequent driving your vehicle on fumes could bring about pump fail that result to repairs that may cost hundreds of dollars.
Final thought
Before you embark on any repairs that may lead to a more disastrous situation, it is wise knowing the seven mistakes that you are likely to commit and avoid them at all cost. Moreover, there is a likelihood of more blunders happening and it is always upon the vehicle owner to avoid them at all costs.