10 Things To Know About Auto Repair

Regular auto repair and maintenance are key for keeping your car running safely and reliably. But finding a qualified, trustworthy auto shop can be challenging. Here are 10 key things to understand about caring for your vehicle and working with repair shops.

1. Follow the Maintenance Schedule

Your owner’s manual provides a schedule for things like oil changes, inspections, fluid flushes and replacements that need to be done at specific mileage or time intervals. Staying on top of this preventative maintenance helps prevent bigger issues down the road.

2. Know Your Fluids

In addition to oil, your car also needs coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and possibly other fluids checked and changed periodically. Different fluids do different jobs like cooling the engine, enabling gear shifts or stopping the vehicle. Low fluid levels affect drivability and safety.

3. Rotate Tires

Rotating your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles helps them wear more evenly for better traction and longer life. Tire rotation involves moving each tire and wheel to a different position on the vehicle to even out tread wear. It's fairly quick and inexpensive maintenance.

4. Address Unusual Noises

Occasional noises are normal, but consistent loud noises while accelerating, braking or cornering may indicate problems needing repair. Addressing odd noises right away can prevent further damage. Some common issues causing noises are brakes, steering components, belts and low fluid levels.

5. Dashboard Warning Lights Mean Something

Don’t ignore warning lights like check engine lights, low tire pressure indicators and more. Diagnose and repair the underlying issue promptly to avoid breakdowns or safety issues. Even intermittent warnings deserve a look.

6. Bigger Repairs Take Time

While some repairs are quick, major issues can take hours or even days to properly diagnose and fix. A complicated rebuild or parts backorder may extend repair timelines. Be patient and communicate with the repair shop for updates.

7. Maintenance > Repairs

It's much cheaper to maintain your vehicle proactively than to wait for parts to fail unexpectedly. Things like timing belt services, alignments, and fluid flushes improve longevity vs. waiting for belts to snap or components to seize up.

8. Cosmetics Aren't Perfect

While bodywork and paint make cosmetic repairs to exterior damage, underlying metal may still be bent or flawed. Manage expectations around eliminated door dings or dents vs. perfect factory panel fitment after repairs. Prioritize safe mechanical performance.

9. Not All Shops Are Equal

Discount shops may seem appealing, but may cut corners or lack the specialized training and equipment needed for quality, reliable work on modern vehicle systems. Research a shop's reputation and qualifications first.

10. Get Repair Estimates

Most mechanics provide free written repair estimates listing the recommended fixes, parts, labor rates/hours and total cost. Compare estimates among multiple shops before approving repairs. Ask questions and request explanations for recommendations. Building relationships with competent professionals you trust is ideal.

Protecting your vehicle investment with regular maintenance services, addressing problems promptly and choosing qualified repair technicians helps maximize safety, reliability and long-term value. Know the basics about caring for your car.