Posts Tagged auto repair shops
Car Diagnostics – How to Tell If the Fuel Pump is the Problem
Is there something wrong with your car? If your car suddenly stops running even when it is filled with fuel, then something must be wrong with your fuel pump. It is very important that you find out the real cause of the problem though rather than just sticking with that conclusion, though. However, based on experience, when the car suddenly stops running, it is usually the fuel pump that’s going to be checked on first.
If you are not your own auto mechanic, you will probably end up getting your car checked at any of your most trusted auto repair shops when your car experiences any kind of trouble.
If you have been driving your car for ages, though, it is usually expected that you have already learned how to fix a few minor stuff, more so if the car would experience the same problem over and over again. However, if you are the type who only wants to drive when the car is okay to drive and have someone else handle its maintenance and repair, no matter how minor, then at least you can have some ideas about the problems that your car is always experiencing.
No matter who is doing your car’s maintenance and repair, somehow you as the owner are not left in the dark as to the cause of the car’s trouble. For major car problems, anyway, it is expected that you don’t do your hands-on job on it especially if you are not an auto mechanic yourself. However, it is really advisable that you would have some idea about the possible problem with your car so that you can do the initial check on the problem. For instance, if you have the ability to check whether or not the fuel pump is really functioning with the use of testing gadgets, then at least you can take the initiative of having the fuel drained out prior to submitting it for car repair. Even if you won’t drain it out yourself, then at least you can let the mechanic know right ahead that you already have an idea that the fuel pump is not functioning as it should be.
If you want to check out some great deals, fuel pumps, like the 12V Kawasaki electric pump, can be readily bought online. However, check with the auto repair shop if they would also recommend your choice of the fuel pump for your car.
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How Much Should Car Repairs Cost?
You might be able to avoid auto repair shops for awhile, especially if you’re keeping your vehicle well-maintained. However, mechanics are unavoidable as your car grows older. Parts begin to malfunction or fail. Hoses and belts wear down and need to be replaced. Tires go flat. If you want to keep driving, you’ll need to see an auto technician.
Most people dread taking their cars into the shop because they don’t know how high the repair bill will climb. That’s understandable and deserves clarification. In this article, I’ll explain how most mechanics arrive at their tab. Whether you need to replace your catalytic converter, fuel pump, timing belt, or any other part, you’ll at least know what to expect.
What’s Behind The Hourly Rate?
Most garages have their hourly rates posted on their walls. A lot of people are surprised to find them so high. Keep in mind that the work involved with fixing automotive problems is often difficult. In some cases, it can be nearly back-breaking. Much of the work also requires specialized training and years of experience.
Another factor is that auto technicians usually have thousands of dollars invested in expensive tools and diagnostic equipment. What’s more, they often need to invest in new tools and equipment that are more effective for resolving certain problems. This, too, is reflected in the amount they charge per hour.
What’s Behind The Quote?
You’ll note that repair shops are often loathe to quote a firm dollar figure when you drop your car off. Instead, they’ll offer an estimate. The reason is because every vehicle is designed differently. For example, replacing the alternator in a Ford Expedition may require twice or half the time required to do the same job in a Honda Accord. This is true for many types of repairs.
Most auto technicians have manuals to which they can refer that list flat rates for each type of job. A garage’s estimate is based on these flat rates. Often, a mechanic knows from experience that a particular job will take longer than the time listed within the manuals. If this is the case, they’ll pad the estimate.
In the event that a job takes less time than what is listed in the manual, you will still be billed the flat rate. There’s no way to avoid this, even though it is unfair.
A lot of repair garages and dealerships also add a separate fee for performing diagnostic tests. They do this in order to compensate themselves for the time they spend hooking up the diagnostic equipment and pulling codes from the computer.
Paying For Parts
The last factor in your bill is the price of any replacement parts your vehicle needs. Expect a 25% to 35% markup from retail. You may be able to avoid the markup by purchasing parts on your own, but many mechanics won’t install them. In fact, they’ll rarely install any component they didn’t purchase directly from their supplier.
So, how does the information above help you? The next time you visit an auto repair shop or dealership, ask the technicians about the published flat rates for the work you need. Then, ask them how long they expect the job to take. By doing so, you’ll have the right expectations when you receive the bill.
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Automotive Repair Tools to Help Your Car Perform Better and Last Longer
For many of us, our car is a very important part of our lives. Having a vehicle means freedom, convenience, and are a way to get around at will. You have worked hard to save every spare dollar so you had enough for a down payment. Each month you have to keep making your car loan payment and afford insurance coverage. But when your car needs auto care, the expense can hurt your budget. That’s why these tips for getting inexpensive car engine parts and car repair tools can make a big difference in your month-end finances.
Mainenance Costs: Engine Repair Tools for Much Less
If you have a minor repair such a maintenance problem, why not cut costs by doing it yourself? There are many “how-to” online tutorials and printed books that can show you step-by-step. The bonus is that you’ll only be spending money on the parts and supplies.. The auto repair shops can really mark up the parts, plus, you’ll be paying them for labor at upwards of about $70 an hour. If you aren’t comfortable with doing any of these tasks yourself, ask your family or friends if they can help you out or consider taking your car to a college campus to have supervised students do the work. Many friends and family are glad to help out and can be paid for their time with a six-pack or a pizza lunch; student training facilities can cut the costs in half for you.
Automotive Care Costs: Discount Auto Parts and Services for Less
Additional non-major repairs that require a little more skill can still be accomplished by yourself. Take, for example, resurfacing rotors, figuring out what an engine code means, or replacing spark plugs. Local car parts stores often times offer less-expensive diagnostic and resurfacing services than at the specialized repair shops. Diagnosing engine codes can be especially frustrating. In some states, you can drive to your parts supplier and they can run the diagnostic test for you to determine the problem. However, some localities don’t allow this, but the code-reading tool is inexpensive to purchase (approximately $200). It can cost $90 or so to have your dealer run a diagnostic test on your car’s computer. But for the cost of 2 diagnostic tests you can have this handy tool at your convenience right at home!
Basic Maintenance and Automotive Care Don’t Have to Break the Bank
Rotor resurfacing can be tricky because they have to have enough “meat” on them in order to be resurfaced. A specific range of rotor metal in millimeters must be met to remain at a nominal depth. Don’t worry, however, because the resurfacing shops will tell you on the spot if they meet the thickness requirements. Additionally, they have the machine right there to get the job done. In an equally easy manner, spark plugs are available for purchase at the automotive care and supply store and the minimum gap is displayed clearly on the package. A gapper tool for your spark plugs costs only $50 or less if you don’t already have one. You can also rotate your own tires by using a standard jack.
It is possible for you to save tons of money by doing your own maintenance on your car. You can stretch your dollar and the life of your vehicle, and use the left over cash to enjoy more time on the road!
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