Archive for the ‘Auto Repair’ Category
3 Reasons To Repair an Old Truck Yourself
Repairing a pickup truck can be expensive, and you have to rely on a mechanic to get the job done. Fixing your truck yourself means you have control over the tools and parts you use, and you don’t have to schedule an appointment for someone to look at your vehicle. Once you understand why you should do your own repair, you can look for used pickup truck bodies for sale.
1. Save Money
The biggest reason to repair a truck yourself is that you can save a lot of money. You can look for used truck parts, and you can negotiate a good deal on them. When you use new parts, you have to pay the retail price, which can add up. And if you hire someone for the repair, you’ll have to pay for the parts and labor. While repair can take time, doing it yourself is often the more affordable choice.
2. Save Time
Even if you get used truck parts, hiring a professional to do the repair can take time. The mechanic may have a full schedule of maintenance and repairs, and they may book appointments weeks out. Sure, you could look for a different mechanic, but they may also have a busy schedule. If you’re willing to work on your truck, you will have control over when you start working on it and when you get it done.
3. Save Trouble
Even if a mechanic can get to work soon, you will give up control when you work with one. They may decide the truck needs a new part when you have a used one. Or your mechanic may decide to charge you more if the project takes longer.
Repairing an old truck can be an excellent project, and you can save money and time by doing it yourself. You’ll also have more control over the process.
Things to Consider Before Hiring an Auto Body Shop
There are over 6 million car accidents in the United States annually. If you are involved in a car accident, you will probably have some body damage to contend with. Trying to fix this body damage without the help of professionals can result in even more problems. This is why finding an auto body shop to help you out is a must.
Most people are surprised to learn just how many different auto body shops are in their local area. Rather than rushing through this important decision, take your time to ensure the right hire is made. Below are some things to consider before hiring an auto body shop.
How Much Experience Does the Shop Have?
When trying to find an auto body shop Lakewood CO, you need to view experience as a priority. Fixing body damage is an extremely complex and time-consuming process. This is why having plenty of experience is a crucial component of getting your car back to like-new condition.
In most cases, you can find out a lot of information about a body shop by researching them online. Looking at the reviews a particular body shop has received in the past is a great way to assess whether or not they are the right fit. The time you spend doing this research will pay off considering the hiring mistakes it can help you avoid.
Getting Your Car Fixed in a Hurry
If you don’t have a back-up car to use while your car is in the shop, getting it fixed quickly is imperative. Going in and getting quotes from multiple body shops is the best way to figure out which one can give the fastest turnaround and the most affordable price.
Take Your Time
With some time and research, finding a great auto body shop to hire will be easy.
Signs You’ve Found a Good Auto Body Shop
Going to an auto body shop is different than the usual maintenance checkup. You may need to go to a different shop altogether if your maintenance shop does not provide the right services to fix damage to your car. Finding a new place to take your car to can be challenging, especially if you’ve gone to the same shop for years. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, here’s a checklist of signs to go through to make sure you’ve found a winner.
Good References From Acquaintances
When you ask around about certain shops, you might be surprised to find that some of your friends and family already know about them. The great thing about this is that they can tell you about their firsthand experiences, positives and difficulties with the shop. If the shop you’ve picked gets rave reviews from them, that’s a stellar sign you’ve found one.
Loads of Certifications
The biggest certification your shop might have is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, but there are plenty more to look for, especially on the local level. You can search for a shop’s reliability online, or multiple shops online (like typing in import auto repair Issaquah WA). When you go in for a quote, don’t be afraid to ask for proof of certifications.
Excellent Service
If you aren’t sure about recommendations from friends or online reviews, then try out a shop yourself to see how they do. Take your car into several different shops before an accident even happens for routine checkups, like an oil change. You can judge for yourself if the shop lives up to your standards. Employees who show obvious care for you and your vehicle needs are often indicative of what future service will look like.
There are plenty of great auto repair shops out there. Sometimes you just have to do a bit of research to find the perfect one.
3 Steps to Choosing The Best Car Repair Shop
Having a car to drive around is a luxury we often take for granted until something breaks down and we are looking at expensive repairs. While car repair edmonds wa isn’t something we always look forward to, there a few steps you can take to make sure you pick a repair shop that will provide the best service at a competitive price.
Get Multiple Quotes
You’ve heard that it is wise to get a second opinion before undergoing a medical procedure, well expensive car repairs are no different. It pays to shop around and compare prices and recommendations. There likely won’t be a huge difference in the cost of parts, but labor charges can vary significantly. Make sure you ask questions if something doesn’t seem correct.
Base Repairs on Priority
If there are multiple things that need to be repaired and your budget is tight make your decisions based on what is the biggest priority. You don’t want to skimp when it comes to safety, but if there is an issue with something that can wait until you have the funds, don’t feel pressured to fix everything all at once.
Follow Your Gut
It’s always helpful if you know someone in the car repair business that you trust. You can also rely on personal recommendations from friends and family. However, at the end of the day, you need to go with your gut. If you’ve done your due diligence and researched your options and something doesn’t feel right, keep looking. Wait until you find a mechanic that answers your questions and provides the service you deserve. It also helps to check their certifications before you commit to big repairs. You want someone honest and knowledgeable.
Car repairs are inevitable. At one time or another, you are going to need to find a reputable car repair shop you can trust to fix your ride. When that time comes, follow these three essential steps to ensure you get your car fixed quickly and cost-effectively.
Preventative Vehicle Maintenance You Should Never Put Off
You rely on your car every day for getting to work, shopping, errands and even those well-earned road trips. Your car equals freedom, and when something happens, you could end up with no transportation. To catch simple problems before they become big ones, here are four preventative maintenance tips that you should never put off.
Annual Inspections
Having an annual safety inspection Olympia WA not only is the law, but it can also help identify any issues going on with your vehicle. Scheduling an inspection ensures that everything on your car is working properly. Plus, you won’t need to worry about getting a ticket for an expired sticker.
Oil Changes
Having your car’s oil changed is one of the cheapest maintenance routines you do, yet it’s one of the most important. Failing to get an oil change can cause extensive damage. When oil gets dirty, it’s like poison to your car’s engine. The toughest part of an oil change is actually remembering to schedule it, so mark your calendar!
Tire Rotation
Tires are vital to a car’s performance. Worn down tires or misaligned wheels aren’t safe, so have them rotated and balanced at least every six months for even wear. If you live in an area where you get snow, replace old tires in the fall before the first snowstorm.
Battery Check
Your car’s battery feeds your lights and radio, but more importantly, it supplies power to your starter. If you have a dying or dead battery, you won’t be going anywhere without a jumpstart, and that’s only a temporary solution. Have your battery regularly checked, and remember, a car battery loves charging, so use that as an excuse to take a long drive!
Preventative Measures
You use your vehicle all the time, so it needs to be in optimum condition. Taking preventative measures is just part of being a car owner. Making a to-do list today can save you hundreds of dollars tomorrow.