Car Parts Plus

How to Buy Fluids for Minor Car Repair and Maintenance

A lot of people spend an unnecessary amount of money on car repair and maintenance. Fluids that you will need to maintain the life of your car and use for minor car repairs can be purchased at auto parts centers for a minimal amount of money-especially compared to what you will pay to have someone else to the work. Buying the following fluids and replacing or replenishing them yourself is easy and a lot cheaper than having to pay a mechanic.

•    Brake Fluid-This is a hydraulic fluid used to keep your brakes and brake lines working smoothly. It absorbs water which helps keeps the brakes components from corroding. Refer to the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s requirements. There are all-purpose brake fluids on the market that can be purchased at any auto parts store. Brake fluid should be new. Old fluids can damage a system.
•    Coolant-The fluid used to maintain a vehicle’s correct running temperature and preventing it from overheating. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended type of coolant that your vehicle requires. There are currently two types on the market-one is designed for newer model vehicles. Coolant level should be checked when the engine is cold. You will need to check the coolant reservoir tank first. If that is empty, check the level in the radiator. Fill the radiator up first, and then refill the coolant reservoir tank to the MAX line.
•    Fuel Injector Cleaner-This is used to periodically clean the fuel injection system in a vehicle. Since a fuel injector is basically a pressurized nozzle that injects fuel, it requires periodic cleaning.
•    Oil-As easy as it sounds, there are a lot of choices for oil. First of all, your vehicle owner’s manual will have the recommended oil for your vehicle. 10W-30 and 10W-40 are typical types. But newer models are now using 5W-30. Which one you choose depends on your vehicle and how well it runs on any particular oil. The age of the vehicle also makes a difference when deciding which grade of oil to buy.
•    Power Steering Fluid-This is a hydraulic fluid used for the maintenance of the power steering mechanism. It aids the power steering system in reducing the effort it takes to turn the steering wheel. It is very important to get an accurate reading of this fluid level. Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions.
•    Transmission Fluid-Also known as Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). It is red or green oil that is used for promoting brake friction, gear lubrication, proper valve operation, and accurate torque converter performance. On most vehicles, leave the engine running and check the ATF level with a dipstick. You can find the location on a diagram in the vehicle owner’s manual.

When purchasing any of the aforementioned fluids, be sure to buy the correct one for the make and model vehicle that you will be working on. Taking the time to buy these inexpensive fluids and replacing or replenishing them yourself, can save you money or car repair and maintenance.

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Finding a Mechanic for Auto Repairs that FAIR

What is F.A.I.R. ?

Sometimes you find yourself in the position of having to locate a new car repair service. Either because you are new to the area, your old mechanic can’t repair your make or model, or you are broken down on the side of the road and have to find the closest car repair service.

Finding someone new to repair your car can be daunting. If you can remember these four letters….F. A. I. R., your journey can be a lot less painful.

FRONT MAN

We’ve all met him at one time or another. You pull your car up to the garage-whether it is for an oil change or a major car repair-and out he comes. The Front Man. He might be the owner or the guy in charge while the owner is out to lunch-either or-he is the Front Man. He is the guy who will be over-seeing or actually doing the necessary maintenance or car repair. He walks right up to the driver’s side window and starts asking questions. He is the person you will be dealing with throughout the process. You know who he is, but can you trust him? Which brings us to the next letter of the acronym…

ATTITUDE

Not everyone has a pleasant demeanor, but is he at least smiling at you? You want someone who can and will communicate with you freely. Ask if he is in charge-don’t be afraid. You might be getting ready to spend a lot of your hard-earned money on car repair. If he is grunting and unable to answer your questions and put you at ease, leave. Find someone who will listen and respond appropriately. We expect common courtesy and a non condescending attitude everywhere else-why not from the people we are trusting to work on our car? In addition to a good attitude, we need explanations…….

INDEPTH

You may only be somewhat familiar with your car repair needs. But after every visit you should be completely familiar with what repair is going on under the hood or chassis of the car you use for work or to get your family around. Ask questions. It is not very difficult to spot someone who knows what they are talking about (or vice versa). Listen to his responses. Have your mechanic explain each and every step of the car repair process. If he becomes agitated, it might be because he either doesn’t know what he is talking about, or is lying about the “necessary” repairs. Every car owner deserves the right to know the why’s and where’s of car repair. And last, but not least….

REPUTATION & RESPONSIBILITY

Each driver holds a certain responsibility when it comes to their car repair. Do a little research. If you do not have major time constraints find out as much as you can about the garage or dealership that will be performing your car repair(s) or maintenance. Look for them on-line; put their name into a search engine. A lot of times, if there are complaints-they will be found on-line. Check with the Better Business Bureau and ask around. Necessary car repair is an important part of our everyday, fast-paced lives.

F. A. I. R.-Four little letters that can save you time, money, and headache.  Some time the most fair repair is when you do it yourself, and used guaranteed Used Auto parts from a trusted source like EverDrive.Com

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